Study offers hope of 'repairing' MS damage (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

Scientists have identified a way of prompting nerve system repair in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Studies on rats by Cambridge and Edinburgh University researchers identified how to help stem cells in the brain regenerate myelin sheath, needed to protect nerve fibres.

MS charities said the "exciting" Nature Neuroscience work offered hope of restoring physical functions.
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This study identified a signalling pathway in the brain which can encourage the brain's own stem cells to regenerate the fibres.

They also showed how this mechanism can be exploited to make the brain's own stem cells better able to regenerate new myelin.
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more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11913689

abstract: http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/nn.2702.html

full paper: http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nn.2702.html