myelin Archives
New neurodegeneration culprit
Jun. 17, 2021—A young woman with a puzzling neurological illness and novel genetic variant pointed investigators to a role for dysregulated protein kinase D1 in neurodegeneration.
Cashew shell compound appears to mend damaged nerves
Aug. 17, 2020—In laboratory experiments, a chemical compound found in the shell of the cashew nut promotes the repair of myelin, a team from Vanderbilt University Medical Center reported Aug. 17 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
How nerves may lose their insulation
Aug. 22, 2019—Vanderbilt’s Bruce Carter and colleagues have discovered how genetic changes in the protein PMP22 may contribute to a disease of peripheral nerves.
Discovery sheds light on protein key to nerve cells’ myelin sheath
Aug. 17, 2017—Genetic mutations in PMP22 (peripheral myelin protein 22) cause a variety of peripheral neuropathies, underscoring the importance of the protein to a healthy peripheral nervous system. But the precise function of PMP22, a major component of the myelin sheath that surrounds and insulates peripheral nerve cell axons, has been unclear.
Myelin repair factors
Apr. 19, 2016—Vanderbilt researchers show that two factors promote the repair of myelin, the nerve cell covering that deteriorates in diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Using MRI to assess myelin health
Jan. 25, 2016—Vanderbilt investigators report an improved model for estimating brain health, using MRI.
RNA defects in multiple sclerosis
Apr. 30, 2015—Vanderbilt researchers have discovered that profound defects exist in the integrity of structural RNA molecules in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.
Myelin junctions key to conduction
Apr. 11, 2014—A protein in the myelin coating on nerves helps form a “seal” that enables effective nerve conduction; loss of the protein causes inherited neuropathies.
Early cell death in MS
Oct. 2, 2013—Death of oligodendrocytes, the cells that make myelin, appears to be an early event in the development of multiple sclerosis.
Methods for imaging myelin loss
Jul. 12, 2013—Certain MRI metrics can be used to assess myelin loss in multiple sclerosis, which is important for planning and monitoring therapy.
