Investigating the causes of disabilities in multiple sclerosis by focusing on specific brain cells and differences between sexes.
Official title: Neurodegeneration Underlying Distinct Disabilities in Multiple Sclerosis Using a Cell-Specific, Region-Specific, and Sex-Specific Approach
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11078723 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain changes in multiple sclerosis can cause different disabilities, and it’s for anyone affected by MS, as researchers want to find new ways to help improve their lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $922,109 |
| NIH project number | 5R35NS132150-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078723 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, particularly those experiencing distinct disabilities related to walking, vision, cognition, or coordination.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurological conditions or those without significant disabilities related to multiple sclerosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand how neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS) leads to various disabilities by examining specific brain cells, regions, and the influence of sex. The study will utilize a combination of clinical observations and preclinical models, including male and female mice, to explore how different brain areas are affected in MS. By employing advanced techniques like MRI and RNA sequencing, researchers will identify potential treatment targets that could help repair disabilities associated with MS. The findings will be translated back to clinical trials tailored for both men and women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments that specifically address the diverse disabilities experienced by MS patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting specific cell types in the central nervous system for neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights for MS as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Voskuhl, Rhonda R — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Voskuhl, Rhonda R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Susceptibility-based MRI biomarkers for multiple sclerosis
A short-term study aims to test MRI biomarkers that could help diagnose and predict MS in patients, using advanced imaging techniques.
-
Mediterranean-style eating and aging in people with multiple sclerosis
This project looks at whether following a Mediterranean-style diet is linked to slower biological aging and less brain shrinkage in people living with multiple sclerosis.
-
Imaging brain energy use in multiple sclerosis with a new imaging method
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.
-
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.