Multiple sclerosis as a disease caused by protein misfolding
Official title: Multiple sclerosis as a cytodegenerative proteopathy
Funded at University of Calgary · NIH-11252773 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Canadian research project is exploring whether MS starts with misfolded proteins that damage myelin and then trigger autoimmunity, using mouse models and human brain samples.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $87,793 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS109481-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11252773 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with progressive MS or autopsy-derived brain tissue samples for study.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals or those without MS-related brain tissue involvement are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of Calgary propose that MS begins with degeneration of the myelin-oligodendrocyte unit due to misfolded proteins, which could then provoke autoimmune responses. They will study whether toxic protein aggregates present in human MS brain tissue can transmit pathology to mice, using intracerebral inoculation. The study will use high-field MRI, immunohistology, and behavioral assessments to track disease-like changes in animals that received human brain material. This work aims to clarify the cellular sequence leading to MS phenotypes and may point to new intervention targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could shift understanding of MS toward targeting early protein misfolding processes to prevent progression.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown protein misfolding in neurodegenerative diseases, but demonstrating MS-specific transmission in models would be novel and exploratory.
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
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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.