Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1: A crucial mediator of remyelination in cuprizone mouse model

Abstract

Authors are supported by grants from MS Liga Vlaanderen, Fondation Charcot Stichting België, and Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO-Vlaanderen) to JVB (1209123N). BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disorder in young adults and develops as a result of a coordinated autoimmune response against the central nervous system. The prime target in this process is myelin, the insulating sheath around axons that guarantees fast and efficient neuronal transmission. Oligodendrocytes and their precursor cells initially help in repairing the myelin layers during a process called 'remyelination', but this process gradually fails leading to further disease progression. While MS treatment has revolutionized the last decade, no therapies are available that directly boost remyelination. We have recently identified that tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) is highly upregulated during demyelination in the cuprizone mouse model. Therefore, this study aims to