Project R-2806

Oncostatin M as a master regulator of central nervous system lesion pathology (Research)

Many neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), brain trauma and stroke are associated with the development of CNS lesions, with varying degrees of inflammation and neurodegeneration. These disorders cause both physical and cognitive disability, a high economic burden and are still incurable. Oncostatin M (OSM), a member of the neuropoietic cytokine family, is upregulated in MS lesions and after nerve injury. OSM can affect both CNS resident cells and immune responses. Our preliminary results indicate that OSM is a key modulator of CNS lesion development. We hypothesize that upregulation of OSM expression in CNS lesions is an endogenous mechanism to protect the CNS in conditions with an inflammatory and neurodegenerative component. Boosting of this natural defense mechanism could therefore be of great therapeutic value in many CNS disorders.

01 January 2011 - 31 December 2014