Acid-sensing ion channel-2 in neurodegeneration and multiple sclerosis: a target for neuroprotection
Grant number: 914
Institution: University of Oxford
Researcher: Prof. Lars Fugger
Amount funded: £88,198
The aim of this study is to investigate whether the acid-sensing ion channel-2 (ASIC-2) plays a significant role in the damage caused by MS and whether this can be a therapeutic target.
Acid-sensing ion channel-2 (ASIC-2) is a molecule that is found in the brain which may play an important part in causing damage to brain cells. Previous genetic studies demonstrated a link between a gene responsible for the ASIC-2 molecule and MS. This could be a novel target for drugs that may be able to inhibit its actions.
In this study the applicants propose to use a genetically modified version of this molecule to see if this will reduce the severity of nerve damage in the brain of laboratory models of MS. As well as this they will study post mortem human brain tissue (from the MS Society Tissue Bank) from individuals with MS to confirm the discoveries made in the laboratory model.
Acid-sensing ion channel-2 (ASIC-2) is a molecule that is found in the brain which may play an important part in causing damage to brain cells. Previous genetic studies demonstrated a link between a gene responsible for the ASIC-2 molecule and MS. This could be a novel target for drugs that may be able to inhibit its actions.
In this study the applicants propose to use a genetically modified version of this molecule to see if this will reduce the severity of nerve damage in the brain of laboratory models of MS. As well as this they will study post mortem human brain tissue (from the MS Society Tissue Bank) from individuals with MS to confirm the discoveries made in the laboratory model.