Targeting Aging to Promote Neuroprotection in MS

Start Term
End Term
Funding Amount
$300,000
Affiliation(s)
McGill University
Montreal Neurological Institute
Geographic Region(s) / Province(s)
Quebec
Researcher(s)
Dr. Alyson Fournier
Research Priorities
Repair/Remyelination
Impact Goal(s)
Understand and Halt Disease Progression

Summary:

  • There is a need for effective multiple sclerosis (MS) therapies that can protect and repair nerve fibres, particularly for those living with progressive MS.
  • Dr. Alyson Fournier and team aim to examine molecular processes involved in MS, specifically those involved in the process of aging and examine its effect on nerve fibres. They will then identify therapeutic strategies that can protect and repair the nerve fibres from the aging process. 
  • This research has the potential to identify novel therapeutic targets and strategies for progressive forms of MS.

Project Description: 
In progressive forms of MS, nerve fibres become damaged or die as a result of exposure to certain molecular factors. Strategies to protect nerve fibres and promote their repair are critical in treating progressive MS.

Dr. Alyson Fournier and team have discovered that nerve fibres in people with progressive MS and mice with MS-like disease have signs of aging. However, when researchers applied interventions to make the nerve fibres more youthful, they were protected from cell death. In this study, the team aims to further examine the molecular processes that occur in nerve fibres over the course of MS that are mimicking the aging process and determine anti-aging strategies that will protect and repair the nerve fibres.

Potential Impact: The findings of this research have the potential to identify novel therapeutic strategies that promote the health and survival of nerve fibres for people with progressive forms of MS.  

Project Status: In Progress