"Scientists found that deactivating a protein, cyclophilin D, protects nerve fibers from damage in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis.
'While we can't genetically inactivate cyclophilin D in people, there are drugs out there that can block the protein,” notes Michael Forte, Ph.D., senior scientist at the Vollum Institute at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). “Our research predicts that drugs that block cyclophilin D should protect nerve fibers from damage in MS.'
Cyclophin D is a key regulator of molecular processes in the nerve cell's mitochondrion and can participate in nerve fiber death. Inactivating this protein strengthens the mitochondrion, helping to protect nerve fibers from injury."
