Understanding how nerve damage occurs in diseases like multiple sclerosis

Mechanisms of retinal degeneration in neuroinflammatory demyelinating diseases

NIH-funded research Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-10747900

This study is looking at how nerve damage happens in multiple sclerosis, especially in the optic nerve, to find new ways to track the disease and test new treatments, so if you have MS, your vision might be checked to help understand your condition better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project IDNIH-10747900 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind nerve damage in multiple sclerosis (MS), focusing on how damage to myelin and axons in the optic nerve may lead to the loss of nerve cells in the brain. By examining the visual system, researchers aim to identify biomarkers for neurodegeneration and evaluate the effectiveness of new drugs in clinical trials. The study explores the role of glutamate, a neurotransmitter, in causing damage to nerve cells and myelin, which could lead to new treatment strategies for MS. Patients may undergo visual assessments to help track disease progression and treatment response.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Not a fit: Patients with other neurological conditions unrelated to demyelination may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that slow down or prevent nerve damage in patients with multiple sclerosis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neurodegeneration in MS, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.

Where this research is happening

Cleveland, 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.