ZFP24 Control of the myelination program of oligodendrocytes

Myelin and oligodendrocytes, the cells responsible for myelin synthesis in the brain and spinal cord, are the targets of the autoimmune response in multiple sclerosis patients. It is critical that we gain a complete understanding of the intracellular and extracellular factors that control the development and function of oligodendrocytes. The data generated from this proposal will provide us with critical new information concerning oligodendrocyte maturation. The autoimmune response in multiple sclerosis patients results in demyelinated lesions in the central nervous system. Multiple sclerosis patients early in the disease course are able to efficiently repair the demyelinated lesions through a process referred to as remyelination. Unfortunately, with age our capacity to remyelinate axons diminishes, which is believed to contribute to disease progression. The work described in this proposal may provide insight into therapeutic strategies to enhance remyelination.