Understanding PARP1 for Myelin Repair in MS

The curious case of PARP1 in CNS myelin formation and repair

NIH-funded research University of California at Davis · NIH-11101358

This research explores how a protein called PARP1 affects the repair of nerve insulation in conditions like multiple sclerosis, aiming to find new ways to help patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11101358 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Current treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) help with immune attacks but often don't stop the disease from getting worse because nerve insulation, called myelin, doesn't repair itself well. This project aims to understand how a specific protein, PARP1, influences the cells responsible for making myelin. By learning more about PARP1's role, we hope to discover new strategies to promote myelin repair. This could lead to new therapies that work alongside existing medications to better treat MS.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients living with multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating disorders could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this foundational research.

Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to myelin damage or PARP1 pathways may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medications that help repair damaged myelin in the brain and spinal cord, potentially slowing or reversing neurological progression in MS.

How similar studies have performed: While PARP1 has been studied extensively in cancer, its specific role in myelin formation and repair is a novel area of focus for therapeutic development in demyelinating disorders.

Where this research is happening

Davis, 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.