Despite being one of the most common and well-known neurodegenerative diseases, multiple sclerosis (MS) remains difficult to treat. However, new research from scientists at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and elsewhere points to a potential therapeutic approach that appears to overcome difficulties faced by other attempts. Their work is described in a new Cell paper titled, “Small-molecule-induced epigenetic rejuvenation promotes SREBP condensation and overcomes barriers to CNS myelin regeneration.”
According to the paper, the researchers treated mouse models of multiple sclerosis and myelin organoids with an inhibitor molecule called epigenetic-silencing-inhibitor-1 (ESI1) that appears to improve both myelin production and poor cognitive function associated with MS and similar demyelinating diseases. It works at the epigenetic level to essentially restart myelin production by oligodendrocytes present in the MS lesions.