HOPES FOR PROTEIN IN MS BATTLE
EXPERTS believe they have discovered a protein which could help create new treatments for multiple sclerosis.

It works by helping to form a fatty white coating called myelin, which is destroyed by the immune system in people with MS.

The body's nerve fibres are sheathed in myelin - which both insulates and helps the passage of electrical signals.

Now US experts have found a protein called Par-3 that underpins the formation of myelin.

Dr Jona Chan, of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, said: "Myelin plays a vital role in the overall health and function of the nervous system.

"Its degeneration is a factor in a number of diseases such as multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathies and even in spinal cord injury."

Par-3 acts as an "organising centre", bringing together key proteins essential for forming myelin.

Scotland has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with more than 10,000 people suffering from the illness.

Experts say cold weather, environment and genes are probably to blame for the increased incidence.