Targeting neurodegeneration in MS progression

MS is a devastating neurological disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the protective coating around nerve fibres (myelin) in the brain and spinal cord. This leads to communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body, resulting in a range of disabling symptoms.

As MS progresses from the initial relapsing remitting phase to the secondary progressive phase, the damage becomes more widespread and severe. This is characterised by increased demyelination (loss of myelin) and neurodegeneration (damage to nerve cells) in the brain and spinal cord. This progressive nerve damage causes significant cognitive impairments for people living with MS.

Interestingly, researchers have found that levels of a protein in the brain called tau are significantly elevated in people with progressive MS. Tau is also implicated in other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. This suggests there may be a link between tau abnormalities and the nerve damage that occurs as MS worsens.

One potential explanation is the role of a protein called BIN1, which is selectively expressed in myelin-producing cells. Studies have shown that BIN1 may play a key part in regulating tau processing.

Dr Tse’s project will investigate the relationship between tauopathy (abnormal tau), demyelination, and neurodegeneration in progressive MS. By closely examining the patterns of tau, BIN1, and immune system activity, he and his team hope to uncover the underlying biological mechanisms driving nerve damage in later-stage MS.

These insights could pave the way for therapies that target tau or BIN1. Such therapies could potentially slow down or even halt the neurodegeneration seen in secondary progressive MS.