Search for:
Search for:
Healthcare Professionals
Publications
Contact
News
Español
Magazine
Radio
*
Get Educated
What is MS?
A chronic neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system, comprised of the brain...
More Details
Educational Materials
Common Questions
Lending Library
Symptoms
Treatment Options
Additional Resources
Research
MS Awareness Month
Donate
Get Help
Health & Wellness Program
Get educational materials and referrals, as well as the opportunity to participate in various...
Learn More
Grants & Programs
Awareness Campaigns
Support Groups
Events
Lending Library
Additional Resources
Get Involved
MS Awareness Month
An annual, nationwide campaign with goals to promote an understanding of MS, and to assist those...
Learn More
Advocacy
Buy from Partners
Volunteer
Businesses
MS Research Trials
Supporter Program
Awareness Campaigns
Host an Event
Events
MS Focus on Fashion
The inaugural MS Focus on Fashion, will take place on Nov. 6, in Dania Beach, Fla.
Learn More
Events Calendar
Health & Wellness
Fundraisers
Support
Web & Teleconferences
MS Education
Host an Event
About Us
Programs & Grants
More Details
Overview
Press Room
Leadership
Financial Statements
Our Mission
Careers at MS Focus
Affiliations
News
Emergency Assistance G...
Help with rent or utilities may be provided through the Emergency Assistance Program.
/Get-Help/MSF-Programs-Grants/Emergency-Assistance-Program
Shop
Privacy
Terms of Use
Site Map
Study reveals molecular mechanism behind MS
August 30, 2024
In a new study, a team of researchers found the loss of immune regulation, linked to diseases such as multiple sclerosis, is triggered by an increase in PRDM1-S,a protein involved in immune function, triggering a dynamic interaction of multiple genetic and environmental factors, including high salt uptake. The findings reveal a new target for a universal treatment for human autoimmune disease.
More than two decades ago, researchers discovered a type of T cell in humans that suppresses the immune system. Later, they found that, when defective, these so-called regulatory T cells are an underlying cause of autoimmune disease, specifically MS. For many years, however, the mechanism behind this dysfunction has remained unclear.
Autoimmune diseases, among the most common disorders of young adults, are known to be affected by genetic and environmental factors, including vitamin D deficiency and fatty acids. In an earlier study, researchers found that high levels of salt also contribute to the development of MS. Specifically, they observed that high salt induces inflammation in a type of immune cell known as CD4 T cells, while also causing a loss of regulatory T cell function. This, they found, is mediated by a salt-sensitive kinase, or an enzyme critical for cell signaling, known as SGK-1.
For this new study, Yale researchers used RNA sequencing to compare gene expression in patients with MS with expression in healthy individuals. In patients with MS, the researchers identified upregulation, or increased expression, of a gene called PRDM1-S, a primate-specific variant of the protein BLIMP-1, which is involved in regulating immune function.
The researchers found that PRDM1-S induced increased expression of the salt-sensitive SGK-1 enzyme, leading to disruption of regulatory T cells. Moreover, they discovered similar overexpression of PRDM1-S in other autoimmune diseases, suggesting it may be a common feature of regulatory T cell dysfunction.
The researchers said that based on these insights, they are now developing drugs that can target and decrease expression of PRDM1-S in regulatory T cells. They have initiated collaborations with other Yale researchers using novel computational methods to increase the function of regulatory T cells to develop new approaches that will work across human autoimmune diseases.
The findings were published in the journal
Science Translational Medicine
.
MS Focus Lending Library
Books, DVDs, and CDs are available for loan, by mail across the United States.
Learn more