They generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) from skin samples taken from patients with early progressive MS. From the iPS cells they developed oligodendrocytes, a type of nerve cell with the task of producing myelin, which insulates the axons. Many diseases including multiple sclerosis are related to oligodendrocytes.

With the help of this cell type generated from patients’ own material, the scientists were able to track the development and progress of MS. They were able to investigate the outbreak of the disease at the cellular level long before visible symptoms developed.

The scientists intend to use their newly developed protocol to create a disease cell model for screening potentially suitable drugs for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Source:
http://www.innovations-report.com/