Protein Suspected in MS Development
Posted on: Wednesday, 25 April 2007, 12:00 CDT
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.
Source: United Press International
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User Comments (2)
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Posted by AURA POLANCO on 05/01/2007, 16:47 YES, I WOULD LIKE MORE INSIDE ON THE PROTEIN THEORY ARTICLE. MORE INFO AND CLARIFICATION OF THE MEANING IN HOW THE PROTEIN AFFECT A PERSON WITH MS. GREAT ARTICLE NEED MORE INFOR PLEASE!! AVP |
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Posted by SANDY LILLY on 04/26/2007, 09:22 DON'T UNDERSTAND ARTICLE |
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