All articles tagged with #myelin
Scientists discovered that losing a small, critical segment of myelin disrupts brain communication by impairing the transmission of signals between the cortex and thalamus, which can lead to cognitive issues similar to those seen in Multiple Sclerosis. The study highlights the importance of myelin in maintaining the structure of neural information transfer and suggests potential avenues for future recovery strategies.
A five-year study supported by NSF investigates how dopamine may regulate myelin plasticity in the brain, particularly in response to social isolation, with implications for understanding and treating neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions.
A study published in Nature Metabolism found that running a marathon causes temporary reductions in brain myelin levels, which recover within weeks, suggesting that marathon running is not harmful to brain health but may instead reflect metabolic adaptation and flexibility.
A mouse study suggests that herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) may contribute to multiple sclerosis (MS) by damaging myelin, with findings indicating that blocking the MLKL protein can prevent myelin loss and neurological damage, highlighting potential new treatment avenues.
A cell study shows that pro-inflammatory molecules like TNF-alpha and interferon gamma impair the growth of myelin-producing cells in the brain, potentially contributing to multiple sclerosis by hindering myelin repair. The research suggests that promoting oligodendrocyte development while preventing astrocyte-like transformation could be a promising therapeutic strategy for MS.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered that SHANK3 gene mutations, linked to autism, impair not only neurons but also oligodendrocytes, which are crucial for myelin production. This disruption reduces brain signal efficiency. Using gene therapy, they successfully repaired these cells in mice and human-derived stem cells, restoring their function and myelin production. This study highlights the significant role of oligodendrocytes in autism and suggests potential new treatments targeting myelin dysfunction.
Researchers have discovered that an RNA derived from a domesticated virus, RNLTR12-int, plays a crucial role in regulating the gene that encodes myelin, a key nerve protein. By inhibiting RNLTR12-int, the production of myelin was significantly reduced in rats, zebrafish, and frogs, leading to simpler structures in the cells that produce myelin. This finding sheds light on the evolutionary history of myelin and its impact on the development and function of vertebrate brains.
Dr. Mary Bartlett Bunge, a pioneering figure in neuroscience, passed away at the age of 92. Alongside her husband, she conducted groundbreaking research on spinal cord injuries, ultimately discovering a promising treatment for paralyzed patients. Her focus on myelin, the protective coating around nerve fibers, led to new ways to promote nervous system regeneration, offering hope to countless individuals worldwide.
A study published in the journal Cell suggests that ancient viruses that infected vertebrates millions of years ago played a crucial role in the evolution of advanced brains and large bodies. Researchers found that a gene sequence acquired from retroviruses is crucial for myelin production, enabling faster nerve impulse conduction and structural support, leading to the development of larger bodies. The study also suggests that the retroviral infection may have occurred multiple times in the evolutionary history of vertebrates, shedding light on the complex relationship between viruses and evolution.
A study published in Cell reveals that ancient retroviruses are responsible for the development of myelin, a crucial component of complex vertebrate brains. The discovery of "RetroMyelin," a gene sequence derived from ancient retroviruses, highlights the impact of viral genes on vertebrate evolution. Experimental disruption of RetroMyelin in zebrafish and frogs led to significantly reduced myelin production, demonstrating its functional role in myelination across mammals, amphibians, and fish. This research challenges previous understandings of evolutionary biology and opens new avenues for exploring the intricate relationship between viruses and vertebrate development.
New research from Oregon Health & Science University has uncovered the function of a little-understood synapse in the brain that connects neurons to oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), which can differentiate into cells that produce myelin. This discovery could have implications for conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and glioma. The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, used single-cell imaging in zebrafish to demonstrate the pivotal role of these synapses in myelin production, potentially leading to new methods of regulating OPC function to alter disease progression.
A novel compound called ZCAN262 has shown promising results in restoring lost myelin and reducing disease activity in mouse models of multiple sclerosis (MS). The compound targets glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity, a process that damages nerve cells in MS. By modulating the activity of the AMPA receptor, ZCAN262 effectively reduced myelin damage and improved motor function in the mice. While further research is needed, these findings suggest that ZCAN262 could be a potential new treatment for MS.
A recent study suggests that marathon runners' bodies may utilize brain tissue, specifically the myelin layer, as an energy source during races. The study, which is yet to be peer-reviewed, found significant declines in myelin levels in the brains of runners after a marathon, indicating that myelin may serve as a reserve energy source. Interestingly, the researchers also observed that the myelin appeared to replenish itself in the weeks following the race, suggesting that it is more adaptable than previously believed. While the study has limitations, such as a small sample size, it raises intriguing questions about the dynamic nature of the myelin sheath and its potential role as an energy source.
A new study suggests that marathon runners rely on myelin, the fatty tissue around nerve fibers, as a source of energy during races. Researchers found that brain scans of runners immediately after a marathon showed a significant decrease in myelin levels, which then recovered within two weeks. This discovery could have therapeutic implications for developing treatments for conditions involving myelin loss. The researchers emphasize that running is not bad for the brain and suggest that using and replenishing energy reserves through running may actually benefit brain function.
A new MRI technique has been developed to effectively measure myelin content in brain tissue, which could help assess the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments. Traditional MRI is not sensitive enough to detect changes in myelin, but this new technique can accurately capture myelin integrity. The researchers validated the technique using brain tissue samples from individuals with MS, and it showed changes in both lesioned and undamaged areas. This technique has the potential to fill the unmet need for noninvasive imaging of myelin in clinical practice and aid in personalized therapy for MS patients.