How does electromagnetic stimulation protect myelinating brain cells?

Associate Professor Jennifer Rodger

University of Western Australia, WA

February 2023

specialisation: Neurobiology

focus area: A cure via repair and regeneration

funding type: Incubator

project type: Investigator Led Research

Summary

In people with MS, high levels of inflammation are thought to cause the death of myelin-producing cells in the brain called oligodendrocytes, leading to a loss of brain function. Associate Professor Jennifer Rodger’s team recently showed that a non-invasive technique called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve the survival of oligodendrocytes. However, the brain is a very complex organ which contains many different types of cells that work together.  

Associate Professor Rodger’s team aims to find the parts of cells that are targeted by rTMS so that future experiments can identify the factors that are responsible for oligodendrocyte survival. Understanding these targets may lead to treatments that maximise the survival of these special brain cells, thereby to preserving brain function in people with MS. 

Updated 31 March 2024 

lead investigator

total funding

$25,000

start year

2023

duration

2 years

STATUS

Current project

Stages of the research process

Fundamental laboratory Research

Laboratory research that investigates scientific theories behind the possible causes, disease progression, ways to diagnose and better treat MS.

Lab to clinic timeline

10+ years

Translational Research

Research that builds on fundamental scientific research to develop new therapies, medical procedures or diagnostics and advances it closer to the clinic.

Lab to clinic timeline

5+ years

Clinical Studies and Clinical Trials

Clinical research is the culmination of fundamental and translational research turning those research discoveries into treatments and interventions for people with MS.

Lab to clinic timeline

3+ years

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Ms Alice Saul

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How does electromagnetic stimulation protect myelinating brain cells?