Monday, April 3, 2017

Myelin formation, limb function restored in MS mouse models

In this study researchers have found that they can restore myelin formation and limb function in mice with MS with the microRNA miR-219.  Multiple sclerosis is a disease that attacks the central nervous system.  This disease destroys the myelin sheath and also oligodendrocytes.  Patients with MS lack miR-219.  Researchers deleted miR-219 in mouse models and found that several proteins that prevent myelin formation were present with the absence of the microRNA.  Then they administered a synthetic version of miR-219 to the MS mice and found that myelin-producing cells were reactivated.  This led to reformation of mylelin and improved limb function.

This could lead to a huge breakthrough in the treatment of MS for humans.  MS is a horrible illness and millions of people in the world are affected by it.  This disease could potentially be eliminated from the gene pool with more advances in medicine.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316599.php
http://www.cell.com/developmental-cell/fulltext/S1534-5807(17)30122-3

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