Investigating how misfolded proteins contribute to multiple sclerosis
Official title: Multiple sclerosis as a cytodegenerative proteopathy
Funded at University of Calgary · NIH-11005392 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how misfolded proteins might be causing multiple sclerosis and how they affect brain health, with the hope of finding new treatments that could help people with MS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Calgary NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Calgary, Canada) |
| Project start | February 1, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $259,014 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS109481-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005392 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, particularly those with progressive forms of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurological disorders unrelated to protein misfolding may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the hypothesis that multiple sclerosis (MS) is primarily caused by the misfolding of proteins, leading to damage in the myelin and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system. The study aims to understand how these misfolded proteins can transmit pathology and provoke an autoimmune response in individuals predisposed to MS. By using advanced imaging techniques and animal models, researchers will examine the effects of these protein aggregates on brain health and function. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatment strategies targeting the underlying causes of MS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel therapies that address the root causes of multiple sclerosis rather than just managing symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of protein misfolding in neurological diseases is gaining traction, this specific approach to MS is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Calgary
Calgary, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stys, Peter K — University of Calgary
- Study coordinator: Stys, Peter K
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Susceptibility-based MRI biomarkers for multiple sclerosis
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-
Mediterranean-style eating and aging in people with multiple sclerosis
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A new MRI-based method will non-invasively measure how the brain uses glucose and ketones in people with multiple sclerosis.
-
Astrocyte exosomes as aging biomarkers and drivers of MS progression
Researchers are testing a blood-based biomarker from astrocyte-like exosomes to understand why multiple sclerosis gets worse with age and to identify potential targets for treatment.
-
Promoting brain repair in MS with a natural compound that nudges neural stem cells
A researcher is testing a natural-product–based compound that may help people with multiple sclerosis repair nerve damage by guiding brain stem cells to become neurons and myelin-producing cells.
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Targeted B cell tolerance therapy for multiple sclerosis using Ace-DEX microparticles
A new therapy using tiny biopolymer particles given through the vein aims to retrain B cells to tolerate the immune system in people with multiple sclerosis.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.