Meet The Researcher

The sense that my research would be able to help people with MS, through the discovery of ways to promote myelin repair. I am reasonably new to the MS research field and was brought here through our unexpected discovery that the naturally occurring molecule S1P appears to be essential for the synthesis of myelin. The natural receptors for S1P in the brain are already known to be good drug targets, as they are the target of the current MS drug Fingolimod. Through a better understanding of the underlying biochemistry that drives myelin synthesis, I am confident we can improve the current treatment of MS.

A substance called myelin, which surrounds our nerves, is essential to the proper functioning of the nervous system. In MS our immune system destroys myelin, causing loss of nervous system function. Current therapies for MS suppress the immune system to stop it from causing damage to myelin and nerve cells. Whilst this is often effective in stopping the disease from getting worse, to restore normal health we must stimulate myelin repair. This research project investigates firstly whether a naturally occurring molecule called S1P is required for the protection and repair of myelin; and secondly whether drugs that mimic the actions of S1P in our nervous system can stimulate myelin repair.

In MS the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheaths that surround nerves. This causes degeneration of nerve fibres, leading to the symptoms that characterise MS (tremor, loss of vision, loss of movement and co-ordination, etc). Current therapies suppress the inflammatory response of our immune system that triggers this myelin degeneration, and some of these therapies are quite effective. However, the body does not regenerate myelin very effectively and there are no therapies that stimulate remyelination. Such therapies are needed to restore normal function in people with MS, as immune suppression alone does not generally lead to myelin repair. The aim of our research is to develop drugs that stimulate remyelination and can be used to help restore normal function in people living with MS. We aim firstly to determine if the molecule S1P, which is naturally present in our bodies, is essential for protection and repair of myelin. Our current research indicates that this is the case, meaning that we need to mimic the natural actions of S1P to stimulate formation of new myelin in people with MS. Next, we will determine if drugs that mimic the natural actions of S1P stimulate remyelination in a laboratory model. This group of drugs already exist and are used to treat MS (Fingolimod, Siponimod, and Ozanimod). If we are able to demonstrate conclusively that these drugs protect myelin and stimulate myelin repair, this will influence clinical decision making regarding the relative benefits vs disadvantages of particular drugs. More importantly, I will be able to use this knowledge in designing drugs that are intended specifically to stimulate myelin repair in MS.

The best thing about working in a lab and running a research group is the excitement of scientific discovery and trying to solve the mysteries of life at the molecular level. The job is challenging, but almost always interesting when the focus is on the science. You have to keep your eyes open and be prepared for the unexpected – in my experience that is when you find something new and important. The biggest challenge for most scientists like myself is the constant need to justify your job, and obtain funding to carry out the research and get paid. These are far bigger barriers to discovery and the useful application of research than anything biology can throw at us.