Protein Suspected in MS Development

U.S. medical scientists have discovered the deactivation of a specific protein might protect nerve fibers from being damaged by multiple sclerosis.

The finding by Oregon Health and Science University researchers could lead to creation of the first drug to treat the progressive, disabling form of the disease.

Oregon Health and Science University researchers, working with colleagues at the Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the University of Padova in Italy, have shown genetically inactivating a protein called cyclophilin D can protect nerve fibers in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis.

Cyclophilin D is a key regulator of molecular processes in the nerve cell’s powerhouse, the mitochondrion, and can participate in nerve fiber death. Inactivating cyclophilin D strengthens the mitochondrion, helping to protect nerve fibers from injury.

We’re extremely excited, said Michael Forte, senior scientist at Oregon Health and Science University’s Vollum Institute and the study’s lead author. While we can’t genetically inactivate cyclophilin D in people, there are drugs out there that can block the protein. Our research predicts that drugs that block cyclophilin D should protect nerve fibers from damage in MS.

The finding is reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.