Potential Contribution of the Blood-Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier to Multiple Sclerosis Pathogenesis

Start Term
End Term
Funding Amount
$295,917
Affiliation(s)
University of British Columbia
Geographic Region(s) / Province(s)
British Columbia
Impact Goal(s)
Understand and Halt Disease Progression

Summary:

  • Dr. Moore and team hypothesize that certain components of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) are damaged by inflammation early in MS, therefore allowing toxic substances in the blood to continuously enter the cerebrospinal fluid causing damage to myelin, myelin producing cells (oligodendrocytes), and axons.
  • This research will examine the BCSFB in MS and identify how it correlates to inflammation, disease type, disease duration, age and gender.
  • The team aims to show the importance of the BCSFB in MS, pointing the way to new avenues of treatment for people with MS.

Project Description:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by regions called plaques that undergo loss of myelin, the insulating layer or sheath surrounding nerve fibres in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Loss of myelin and plaques can cause relapses in MS. Loss of axons within and around plaques can lead to progression in MS. Plaques can be found in regions close to the cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid that surrounds the central nervous system and the cavities of the brain. Normally, the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) prevents substances in the blood from entering the cerebrospinal fluid and central nervous system tissues. Dr. Moore and team hypothesize that certain components of the BCSFB are damaged by inflammation early in MS, allowing toxic substances in the blood to continuously enter the cerebrospinal fluid causing damage to myelin, myelin producing cells (oligodendrocytes), and axons.

This research project will examine the BCSFB in MS and identify how it correlates to inflammation, disease type, disease duration, age and gender. Using cell culture systems, the research team will also determine if the cerebrospinal fluid from people with MS contain substances that are toxic to myelin-producing oligodendrocyte cells. The team aims to show the importance of the BCSFB in MS, pointing the way to new avenues of treatment for people with MS.

Potential Impact:

If the BCSFB is found to be a fundamental change underlying MS, it could serve as a therapeutic target, either by repairing the leak or by removing toxic substances from the cerebrospinal fluid. Findings from this research have the potential to radically change our understanding of MS and the mechanisms that lead to progression in MS symptoms.

Project Status: In Progress