Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition affecting the central nervous system. In MS, the immune system attacks the protective myelin coating around nerve fibers, disrupting nerve communication and leading to a range of MS symptoms.
Myelin helps electrical signals move faster along nerve fibers and enables smooth communication between different parts of the body.
Myelination is the process of forming new myelin around nerve fibers. There is currently no treatment approach that helps myelin repair and grow.
Researchers are investigating how activity-dependent myelination could lead to new treatment approaches in MS and other conditions that cause myelin to break down, such as stroke, dementia, and schizophrenia.
Activity-dependent myelination is a process where the brain’s neural activity influences the formation and maintenance of myelin.
When neurons become active, they send signals to support cells called oligodendroglial cells to myelinate, or insulate, the active neurons. This boosts their speed and efficiency. More myelination is linked to better brain function.
Researchers have triggered myelination in animal brains using various methods to stimulate neurons, such as optogenetics, pharmacogenetics, behavioral tasks, or noninvasive brain stimulation. Scientists do not yet understand the mechanisms well enough to apply these methods to humans.
Understanding how activity-dependent myelination works could lead to new strategies for myelin repair in people with MS. These strategies could help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
Living with MS often involves managing various symptoms and adapting to changes in physical abilities. As research progresses, new treatments targeting myelin repair could significantly improve the quality of life for people with MS.
