Strategies for Neuroprotection and Myelin Repair

NIH Neuroscience Series Seminar Our ability to move, think, perceive, is dependent on a timely transmission of information among specialized cells called neurons. This information is sent via a series of electrical impulses that travel along specialized structures called " axons " , whose ability to conduct signal is dependent on the presence of " myelin " . Myelin is a fatty substance composed of lipids and proteins that is an integral component of a cell called " oligodendrocyte " . Oligodendrocytes are the myelin-forming cells of the CNS and are essential for brain function. Oligodendrocytes originate from neural stem cells that undergo several changes before reaching the stage of late maturation. Dr. Casaccia ’ s laboratory is working in the following major research areas:• EPIGENETIC REGULATION of gene expression (how the environment affects the ability of DNA to express genes);• MYELIN FORMATION in development and in disease;• MECHANISMS OF NEURODEGENERATION and disease progression in MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (towards the discovery of new treatments);• PERSONALIZED MEDICINE (define the effect of genes, diet, exercise, stress and social interaction in therapy responsiveness and disease manifestation. These areas are focused on the following goals: 1) define the steps leading to the acquisition of oligodendrocyte identity, in order to correct potential deficits due to aging and pathological states; 2) understand how myelin forms during development, in order to bet...
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