Multiple Sclerosis and Stem Cell Group
Welcome to the Multiple Sclerosis and Stem Cell Group web site
The Multiple Sclerosis and Stem Cell Research Group is part of the University of Bristol Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and is based at the Burden Centre at Frenchay Hospital. Our activities centre, in particular, on the underlying cell biology of multiple sclerosis, the development and implementation of myelin repair treatments and understanding mechanisms of neurodegeneration.
Research focuses on the supportive cells in the central nervous system, the glia. Oligodendrocyte progenitors are the cells responsible for most spontaneous remyelination. Using post-mortem specimens we are examining the role of oligodendrocyte progenitors in normal brain and MS lesions. Unfortunately, while oligodendrocyte progenitors can be isolated from the adult human brain, and can undergo limited proliferation in vitro, the numbers of these cells are limited and their migration through normal brain is considerably impeded. Stem cells, with their significant replicative potential, provide a possible solution to this problem. We are working on the identification of signals which direct the differentiation of neural stem cells along the oligodendrocyte lineage with a view to developing this as a potential transplantation strategy for MS. An alternative source of autologous stem cells for transplantion is the bone marrow and we are also investigating the potential of bone marrow-derived stem cells to differentiate along the neuroectodermal lineage.
Research is also being undertaken to explore the cause of axon loss in the disease. We are taking forward several observations on axon dysfunction and translating these into the development of new therapies for chronic disease progression.
We are also interested in the immunological aspects of the disease. In collaboration with David Wraith, from the University of Bristol Department of Pathology and Microbiology, we are investigating ways to manipulate the immune system in the hope that new treatments can be developed.
Recently we have become interested in mechanisms by which human bone marrow derived stem cells may protect cerebellar neurons from degeneration and are extending these observations in a mouse model of Friedreich's ataxia. We are interested in the potential of these cells as a therapy for a variety of ataxic conditions.
Clinical research within the lab focuses on the causes of disability in chronic MS and a study of Primary Progressive MS (PPMS).
AWAY DAYS 2011 NEW LINK