Research Topic #2

Researchers Show How Immune Attack May Directly Damage Nerve Fibers in MS

Researchers report on a protein that may engage the immune attack to target nerve fibers in MS; studies suggest that damage to nerve fibers may be the root cause of long-term disability in MS. Edgar Meinl, MD (Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Martinsried, Germany) and colleagues reported their findings in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA, (2009 May 19;106(20):8302-7). This study was funded by the MS Society of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, among others.

Background: Multiple sclerosis occurs when the immune system attacks and damages the brain and spinal cord, with a major target being the myelin that ensheathes nerve fibers. Recent research indicates that damage to nerve fibers themselves may occur early and contributes to long-term disability in people with MS. But it is not clear how nerve fibers are damaged in the course of the immune attack, or whether they are directly targeted by the immune system.

The Study: First, Dr. Meinl’s team used proteomics – technology that scans thousands of proteins at once – to identify antibodies (immune proteins that target specific molecules) in brain tissue from people with MS that react to nerve fiber components. This process highlighted a protein called “contactin-2/TAG-1” (transiently expressed axonal glycoprotein 1). Contactin-2/TAG-1 is active on nerve cells, in the region where myelin connects with the nerve fibers.

They then compared the reactivity of immune T cells from individuals with MS and other disorders by exposing their T cells to Contactin-2/TAG-1. They found that T cells from people with MS showed signs of “recognizing” and mounting immune responses to this molecule, and also found evidence of antibodies in MS spinal fluid that reacted to this molecule.

Research Topic — MS

Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another. ("What is Multiple sclerosis")
Although there is still no cure for MS, effective strategies are available to modify the disease course, manage symptoms, improve function and safety, and provide emotional support. In combination, these treatments enhance the quality of life for people living with MS. ("Treatment")


Panel Recommends that FDA Approve Fampridine-SR (proposed name Amaya) for Symptomatic Treatment of MS

A U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory committee today recommended that the agency approve marketing of Fampridine-SR (Acorda Therapeutics, with a proposed name change to Amaya) for its ability to improve walking speed in people with any type of multiple sclerosis. While the FDA is not required to follow the recommendations of its advisory committees, it usually does. The agency is expected to make a final decision about whether to approve the drug for market on or before the target date of October 22, 2009.

Background on Unmet Need: Problems with gait (difficulty in walking) are among the most common limitations in MS. While there are six FDA-approved disease-modifying therapies that are at least partially effective against some forms of the disease, as well as rehabilitation and symptomatic treatments for some symptoms, at present there is no pharmacologic treatment specifically available for MS-related difficulty walking. This disability has wide-ranging effects on people’s lives, even in its milder manifestations.

A recent survey among more than 1,000 individuals with MS and many of their family members examined the impact of mobility issues, such as difficulty walking, on quality of life among patients with MS and their families. Some two-thirds of patients reported difficulty walking and of these, 70% reported that such difficulty was the most challenging part of their MS, and most reported that difficulty walking restricts their daily activities significantly, including their ability to travel. ( Read more about survey results) ("Panel")

Photosynthesis Blog

Photosynthesis matters to me because without photosynthesis the world we know today would not exist. There would be no plants or animals. 
One resource that I found helpful in understanding photosynthesis was this website. It was clear and easy to navigate. The animations are interactive and it shows and explains the different parts of photosynthesis.