Inhibiting Enzyme Can Reverse Myelin Damage, Improve Limb Function, Mouse Study Shows
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Inhibiting an enzyme responsible for turning genes on and off can reverse damage to the myelin sheath that protects nerve cells, improving limb function, a multiple sclerosis-related study in mice shows.
The research, which involved mice with sciatic nerve damage rather than MS, was published in the journal Nature Medicine. Its title is “A histone deacetylase 3–dependent pathway delimits peripheral myelin growth and functional regeneration.”
Damage to the myelin sheath leads to such MS-related problems as muscle stiffness and weakness, fatigue and pain.
A team at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and other researchers decided to look for compounds that could inhibit enzymes responsible for turning genes on and off.
Scientists dub the turning-on and -off process epigenetic regulation. The process does not interfere with a gene’s DNA sequence. It works by adding or removing an epigenetic mark from a DNA sequence — much like adding or removing a clothes pin .
The team tested the compounds they thought had potential in mice with injured sciatic nerves, which run from the lower back to the lower legs. Many of the compounds were approved cancer treatments.
A key finding was that compounds that can inhibit a particular epigenetic enzyme reversed the mice’s myelin damage and improved their ability to move. The enzyme, histone deacetylase 3, or HDAC3, slows myelin production when nerves are forming or after they have been injured.
The braking leads to the formation of a very thin layer of myelin or in some places no layer at all. The result is impaired communication between the peripheral nervous system and the limbs and organs. The peripheral nervous system consists of all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
“Remarkably, temporary inhibition of HDAC3 robustly accelerated the formation of myelin that helps insulate peripheral nerves,” Dr. Q. Richard Lu, the director of the Cincinnati Children’s Brain Tumor Center, said in a press release. “This promoted functional recovery in the animals after peripheral nerve injury,” said Lu, the study’s lead author.
Blocking HDAC3 must be precise, the researchers said. Inhibiting it for too long leads to excessive myelin growth, resulting in overly thick nerve cell insulation that can also cause functional problems.
The team timed its HDAC3 inhibitor treatment to a critical phase of nerve regeneration in the mouse model. The treatment led to just enough myelin to restore the mice’s function — but not too much.
Researchers have begun testing their findings in mouse models of other diseases caused by myelin damage, such as MS. If the results are promising, they plan to start Phase 1 clinical trials of the treatment in MS patients.
Joshua Sully
Wow that's amazing and I'm sure it does wonders as a new treatment to help restore the myelin and regain most function in limbs.
Larry Stoffregan
I live in Boise,Idaho. Diagnosed in 1988 at 30 years old. Would love to join a trial to help out.
Angela
Greatful for your courage to help others.
Enrico Tigani
I'm in if possible.
And Im from Genk<Limburg<Belgium<Europe
Elizabeth Hammond
I do not have multiple scerosis, but I do have white matter disease. I believe my sleep apnea has caused inflammation & damage to the myelin sheath of my neurons, causing the white matter disease. I am interested to learn how to restore the myelin sheath.
malak
hi, i have MS. How can i sign in and participate to this trial
Patty McDonald
I live in Montana and would love to participate in a trial. Dx ‘87, now 60.
Ana
I love n ky and want to try
Ana
I want to try this
Renee Colbert
Me too dxd 2004. Now 61, in a chair & nursing home. Weakening.
Nunez
Great, I’m in Pennsylvania. Count me in to any study in my area.
Steve Mueller
How do you get involved with a clinical trial I have ms
David. Coopere
Yes how do we try to get involved in study.
Jim
I feel as though researchers are getting closer and closer to a cure. However, rebuilding our myelin sheath so we can function better would be wonderful.
Dave Carney
They're getting so close, Maybe some day this will be bad dream. I have PPMS went for my third dose of ocrevus today. Everybody hang in there.
Tim rose
How is meds ur on im bout to try
Melanie
That’s wonderful! Can’t wait to hear how you do!!
Jack Marshall
Dave,' Please post your results. I have MS, dx'd in 1977 but had symptoms 6 years earlier. I'm almost 65 and walk short distances with two canes or use a wheelchair. Hoping you get excellent results.
Pat hawkins
This is what they should of been trying to do the whole time, something to rebuild ur myelin and revolt as a cure,not poison meds.....silly!!!!
Karen Mayrand
I so agree, enough of the medications that don't do a heck of a lot but cause other serious health problems...Maybe all of are hopes and dreams will finely be answered in the very near future..
Charles
I know my daughter would agree with you. All the leading meds just have been total failures for her. Constant migraines and nausea. She has made more progress with a natural protocol.
Laura
I am interested in the clinical trial. I have had progressive MS for about 20 years. I have never taken any drugs, only used natural interventions such as diet and supplements. My walking is completely dependent upon a walker and I use a wheelchair when necessary. Would love to regain my mobility. I am 66 years old. This sounds very promising!
Robin Prince
I take Copaxone but i also have to use a walker and a wheel chair and im 54 yrs old,i was told i have MS in 1994
Janet
How can I get this
Tawfiq Almanea
We area group of MS in Middle East called ARFA
How do we get involved in this medical breakthrough.
Tawfiq Almanea
Kathy Hoobler
Sign me up, I live in Michigan.
Carol Krohn
I have MS, was dx. in 2006. Possibility of being able to do some of things I used to would be fabulous.
Kevin Martin
How do i get involved in the trial research i have MS with myelin damage causing perralouses on my left side. Can not walk more then 10 minutes.
Diane McCoy
I live in Nebraska, interested in the trials.
Casey
Wow things have come so far. Hoping this is coming soon !
Debbie
That sounds awesome. I am ready for this to happen.
William craig Bloomer
I would like to be included in the trials.
Jennifer M Auclair
I would love to participate in your clinical trial.
Jennifer M Auclair
I would love to participate in your clinical trial. I have MS and would appreciate any possible help with symptoms.
Eve
What about neuropathy, any application?
Connie Godshall
I would like to participate in this study. I have ms and my left leg drags. Hopefully it would able me to walk better.
Dianne Richardson
If it does not involve injections. I would participate. I currently am no on any MS meds. DX 2004.
Sue McAlpine
I live in Michigan and would be grateful to be part of the clinical trial!
Angela Bishop
I would love too ihaven’t walked in 17 yrs
Billie jo Duncan
I would like to be considered for the clinical trial please
Annette Cusick
Like all exciting announcements about potential progress, this will take another decade to begin and finish trials. I have MS and must have heard a dozen things that never amounted to much. Hopefully we will see progress- and if not at least others will get help later. I have a feeling something better will come along way before this is available.
Luvena
My husband was recently diagnosed with MS but they are saying he has had signs from at least 2013 or earlier. I would love for him to be part of this study. We are in Ohio.
John
Finally - research that sounds promising! Would love to meet the drs who are responsible for this!
Linda Pasini
What do you have to do to get the in a trial? Live in Cleveland area.
Julie Hitchcock
I'd love to find out more information on this and if and when you are doing human trials.
Lou Wade
My 53 year old son has had it since he was 18. He’s had/has a super pubic catheter (loss of all uninary control and partial bowl control). He also has some brain damage due to a very difficult birth. He’s also a great big gentle teddy bear that people love. Sure would be great to get him enrolled in a trial. Any chance?
Mike Gordon
My wife was diagnosed in 2011 and deals with leg pain and extreme fatigue. She would love to be involved in this trial
Barry Paxton
Would love to participate in your clinical trials. I live outside of Richmond,Va. I have MS,70 years old and have difficulty walking.
Theresa McGraw
I’m interested in the clinical trial.
Ruth Santiago
Hi I am from Texas, I would love to participate in this trial. I am only 38 and having so much difficult walking. I am tired od being tired and just seems like nothing helps.
Christine Barfield
I would love to be a party apart in the trial. I have had MS for 17 years and no longer walk without assistance. It's very frustrating and my legs are my worst part of my body
Susan McIntosh
I live in Nebraska. I am 56 years old and have MS. I would love to be in the trial
Sheila Robertson
I live in California. I am interested in participating in trials. Please message me.
Jane
I would love to be involved in the study! Keep me in mind and informed, thanks!?
Bill Rogers
I am a 59 yr old male, Dx in 2009 with RRMS. Recently started with Ocrevus in Jan. 2018. I am extremely interested in being a part of this trial.
Tim rose
Realy need this single dad and im almost complrtely paralyzed sign me up.
Joanne Beckowski
Would like to become a candidate for this trial. What is the process? I am a 63 year old female with little motor function in my legs.
Lisa wilcher
I would love to try this
Lisa wilcher
I would love to try this. I live in Cincinnati my daughter works at Children's Hospital would really like more information on this
Davey sessions
Please contact me to be included in your clinical trial.
I am 60 and was diagnosed 4 years ago as have seen my limbs stiffen.
Mae Kane
I live in NY I would love to be a part of this trial. Thank you
Jamina Good
I would love to be apart of this trial. My neuro said according to my MRI I've had MS since my 20's and was dx at 38. I'm in Tucson, AZ. Dealing with limited mobility, fatigue and brain fog. Thank You so much!
Vance Batson
I miss being a strong hard worker. Now I'm in a wheelchair. I changed my diet as soon as I was diagnosed 3 years ago I would like to be involved with the clinical trial please
Frank Sanchez
This would be great. I’m in Southern Ca. I was diagnosed 15 years ago. Trying to stay active and go to the gym. 65 years old. My younger brother passed away 2 years ago due to MS. My niece also has MS.
A trial participation would be wonderful.
Cenora Bryant
[email protected] I am sick and tired of pain my lower back spine lumber 4an5 is creepy I got saw far 2 now today I'm getting shot #3 in my spine wow
Teresa's mccrady
I would. Do this trial for the chance to see some improvement In My Walking and the opportunity to help the research.
Theresa Raffray
Please consider me in this trial
Traci Gunderson
I'm in mn how do I sign up?
Debra Ogletree
Very interested, I'm in Ky. Looking forward to more information.
Jessica
Just FYI, the image you are using for this article shows Schwann cells myelinating that neuron, not oligodendrocytes. Schwann cells are only in the PNS, not the CNS, and are not involved in MS.
Christina Galvin
How can I sign up to participate in this clinical trial?
Lynn
I'm in Canada , high concentration in this area.Would be interested in trial.
Deborah Lange
I would love to be considered in this trial. I was do in 2013 with RRMS, and am 65 years old.
Thank You
Lisa Tomsha
Would be interested in the trial.
Shane Springer
Sign me up!
Mark Motob
My wife was diagnosed almost 2 years ago. She has fatigue and legs feel heavy at times. I would love to have her assist in the clinical trials. How can we get more information about this study.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Steve Mueller
I live in Cincinnati and would like more information about this before the clinical trial starts
Madelein Dent
I live in south africa I have ppms and would love to be part of this trail. It seems very promising.
Shawnee Bush
I am 51 years old and have had MS for 29 years. Have a lot of symptoms. Interestied in trial.
Jean Scott
I would love more information. Was diagnosed in the 80's and refused meds that were so strong and not proven to be effective as a cure.
Amy Penszynski
I want to try this....how?
Douglas Domonoske
In Montana would like to be part of your trial
Demetra Walden
I would love to be considered as well
Tamara Shidler
I have ms a s would love to participate in this program
Lana hurley
Diagnosed 1967 at age 5
Now 56, Looking for miracles!
Arturo García
I live un Guadalajara México how can i get involved un this trial my phone number Is 3314174414 please ssombody call me thanks Arturo García
Grandma
Good news, how soon before we see human trials?
Tracy
How do we find out about trails & being on the list for trial research
Patricia Hoice
When do human trials begin?? Sign me up, please!!
Lisa Petch
I am 52 And was diagnosed with PPMS in Sept 2011. My own personal 911. Finally something that makes sense! Would be thrilled to be considered. I can still walk unassisted. But there is still plenty of pain and spacity in right leg. But left is catching up.
Marcia Nagucki
I am willing to be in this study...please. Marcia
Debbie
This is the most promising news since I got the diagnosis (progressive type, 14 years ago).
When are human trials?
Where can I sign up?
Jessica
I was diagnosed with RRMS in March 2010... I would be awesome if this will help people like me with MS. I would definitely participate in the clinical trial to be able to help these researchers to help others.
Deborah Moss
I was diagnosed in 2006 I was 28. I would love to be in your trial. I'd love to have my life back.
Diane
I'd be very interested in the trial, please!
Terry
I have been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome which also is a serious nerve damage disease. Would love to think this medicine would be available to those with the many autoimmune diseases that Eat the sheath off the nerves.. I was instantly paralyzed and am in a lot of nerve pain, called neuropathy.
Marjorie Meurn
Wow this would be awesome if it works! I would le to be part of the clinicAL trials!
JACKIE
This is great news I would love to be a part of this new treatment.
Colleen Eberhart
Would love to be in a trail DX 1991 am 66.
Patricia LaPorta
Finally, a glimmer of hope!!!!! Interested in the trial, if one in the area....please keep the information coming....Had no DMD's, M>S> since the '90's..I'm 72, get around w/walker......
Kathy Quick
Arizona resident. Dx 2000, 55 this year. Would love to be part of trial. The possibility of walking and getting dressed without falling is such a wonderful dream.
Scott Van De Grift
This sounds like a trial i need to be on I've moved from walking 3 miles a day to wheel chair full time in 6 years. If this can help and heal myelin I'm all for it
Kathy Doswell
I will participate in this trial.
Andre Abreu
I’m interested. I live in Michigan and travel to Cincinnati every other week.
Betty Fertig
I have had ppms since 1985 and the only medication I have used is ocrevus. This trial, if successful, would be a dream come true. I am in a wheelchair most of the time, using a walker for short trips. I hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you.
Mike Johnson
Diagnosed in 2015 at 59 with the adult onset myelin disease leukodystrophy . Is this a potential future treatment therapy? Because this diesease is generic, I am very interested in the trial of the drug treatment if possible.
Brandon garces
Please im only 23 and il using a walking frame i don't have a life mybe this treatment is for me please put me on trials
Karen Hagaman
I am a 65 yr old female from Peoria IL. I was diagnosed in 2015 and like to be apart the clinical trial. I have recently started Ocrevus after a I tested positive for the JC virus. Prior med was Tecfedra.
Alice
I also would like to be part of the study!!!
Rachel Lukes
I have ms and on this medication, everything going great but only did the first two infusions then 6 months later I got another dose but so far doing good
Lisa
I would love to be part of this trial! I’m a 54 year old woman, diagnosed in 2004. Please pick me!
Kathy Oakley
I would Love to be part of the trial ! I am a 57 year old female who was diagnosed in 2010 . I would honor the chance to help make this disease disappear for everyone that has been touched by it .
Jerry Stevens
I have the PPMS beast and am on the Ocrevus infusion plan; however, since all the Ocrevus is supposed to do is stop the degeneration, I would like to participate! I was documented with MS in April, 1979 so my nerves aren’t in great shape. We are in the Houston area but preparing to sell our house and move to Corpus but I’m in if wanted!!!
Bill Allard
I would be elated to be included in this trial. I was diagnosed with MS in 2006, and have not walked for two years!!!
Daniel Wayne
Allow me to save you some time. Curcumin, aka Turmeric.
Monica
I would LOVE to be part of the trials. Diagnosed in '13 and have used a cane or walker since. Left thigh is affected. Also have foot-drop. I'd give anything to be able to walk again! I live in Michigan.
Mike M
I would like to know more about how to take part in the study. I was diagnosed in Jan 2018. I get some leg pain and numbness all over, but I still have good movement. I live in Mississippi.
Shawnee
52 year old female. Had it for 32 years. Would love to do the trial. Lots of damage and I am from Pennsylvania.
Josephine Jose
How can I sign up for this? Diagnosed in 2009 and I would like to not only help out the whole community, but also help with other cases of pediatric MS (I was 14)
Andrew
I would like details of how to join the trial I live in England had ms 6 years can move about ok
malak
HI, i have MS. I have been diagnosed 20 years ago..i would like to participate to the trial and to sign up