Mouse Study May Advance Multiple Sclerosis Research – Yahoo! News
Mouse Study May Advance Multiple Sclerosis Research – Yahoo! News
TUESDAY, Jan. 19 (HealthDay News) — A mutation in a gene called
ZFP191 causes central nervous system myelination problems in mice that are
similar to what occurs in humans with multiple sclerosis, new research has
found.
In multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disorder, the body attacks and
In the new study, Brian Popko of the University of Chicago and
colleagues determined that a gene called ZFP191 is necessary for the
development of oligodendrocyte cells, which, in their fully mature form,
produce myelin. The researchers also found that mice with a single
mutation in ZFP191 have a severe deficiency in central nervous system
myelination and suffer tremors and seizures.
According to the study, published in the Feb. 1 issue of the journal
Genes & Development, the findings may help in efforts to
develop ways to promote re-myelination, reduce the accumulation of
multiple sclerosis lesions and slow disease progression.
More information
The U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has
more about multiple sclerosis.
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