Dr. Craig Moore

What is the focus of your research? How did you become interested in MS research?  
 
The focus of my research is to gain further insights into the various molecules and factors that are associated with MS disease onset and progression. Specifically, my laboratory is currently investigating how inflammatory-related molecules and small RNA molecules (termed microRNAs) are abnormally expressed in MS and the impact this may have in driving both demyelination and remyelination within the central nervous system.

My interest in MS research began as a graduate student. My PhD supervisor was a highly energetic mentor with a personal connection to MS. He provided me with an opportunity to conduct MS research in his lab alongside established academics and scientists in the drug industry. 
 
What inspires you to continue advancing research in this field? 
 
Over the past decade, research into better understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for driving both inflammatory and repair processes in MS has made significant advances. For the first time, we now have disease-modifying therapies that are effective in certain individuals with progressive MS. Despite these advances, there is still much more work to do as we are just at the cusp of better understanding the specific mediators involved in progressive MS and how we may be able to halt MS in its tracks and promote brain repair.  
 
How do you hope to change the lives of people living with MS through your research?  
 
There is no debate that more research is needed to find new and effective drugs that will stop disease progression in MS. While several drugs have been approved for treating relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), these medications have not been proven highly effective in progressive forms of the disease. This may be in large part due to the targets of these drugs, which have entirely focused on the immune cells (primarily within blood circulation). As a research community, it is imperative that we expand our knowledge beyond the immune system and focus more on “fixing” the brain itself. Ultimately, my research aims to provide new insights into the specific cells and molecules involved in promoting repair and remyelination, which has relevance for both relapsing and progressive forms of MS.  
What do you enjoy most about your research? What are some of the challenges you face? 
 
The aspects that I enjoy most about my research are the interactions and collaborations with my colleagues in the MS research field. For over 20 years, I have been intricately involved in MS research and have had the wonderful opportunity to see the evolution of people, scientific ideas, and research priorities at both the national and international level. I am very proud to be part of the close-knit Canadian MS research community and am extremely grateful for all the support and opportunities that I have been granted over the years. In terms of challenges, there is no shying away from the fact that we are currently living in a post-pandemic world, which has had a significant impact on our physical and mental well-being. The recovery we are all making has brought upon many unexpected challenges for differentially-impacted individuals and has exposed many of the inequities that continue to exist within our society.  
 
How important is the support from MS Canada in your research? 

In short, absolutely critical. The competition for funding is becoming increasingly difficult for not only established researchers, but also for our graduate students, trainees, and early career investigators that wish to make MS research their primary profession. Funding from national granting agencies remains highly competitive within Canada, with very few specialized opportunities that are earmarked for MS research. Support from MS Canada is enabling me to grow my lab scientifically and increase the opportunities and research projects for future students and trainees.