New methods to reduce inflammation in the brain for people with demyelinating diseases.

New Approaches to Combat CNS Inflammation: Targeting a Metabolic Enzyme in Demyelinating Disease

NIH-funded research Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys · NIH-11003741

This study is looking at how a certain enzyme called DGAT1 affects inflammation in the brain and spinal cord for people with multiple sclerosis, with the hope of finding new treatment options that could help patients, especially those in high-risk groups like military personnel.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVeterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Palo Alto, United States)
Project IDNIH-11003741 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how a specific metabolic enzyme, diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase-1 (DGAT1), affects inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) related to multiple sclerosis (MS). By studying animal models that mimic MS, the research aims to uncover how DGAT1 influences the behavior of immune cells that contribute to CNS damage. The goal is to identify new therapeutic strategies that could lead to better treatment options for patients suffering from MS, especially those in high-risk groups like military personnel.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, particularly those with a history of autoimmune conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with non-autoimmune neurological disorders or those without a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that more effectively manage or reduce the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways to influence immune responses in autoimmune diseases, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Palo Alto, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.