Precursors upon MS

Cleveland Clinic researchers have found a primitive type of cell in adult brains that can differentiate into myelin-generating oligodendrocytes.¹ The discovery could lead to new therapies for multiple sclerosis if researchers can figure out how to culture the cells or manipulate their growth and migration. Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. has nonexclusively licensed the technology, although the biotech is not disclosing specific plans for a potential foray into MS.

Oligodendrocytes are glial cells that wrap spindly projections around the axons of neurons, creating a myelin sheath that allows electrical conduction during neuronal activity. In MS, an autoimmune response against myelin proteins leads to destruction of the sheath and to neurological dysfunction...