Study sheds light on myelination process
A new finding has opened the door to research that could help scientists learn more about ways to treat the root causes of diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

The study, published in the Nov. 3 issue of Science, describes the function of a key protein, Par-3, during the myelination process. Myelin acts as an insulator for nerve fibers in the brain and central and peripheral nervous systems. MS occurs when myelin disappears and leaves a scar tissue called sclerosis.

"This study recognizes one protein that is involved in the process of getting the cell to produce myelin," study author Jonah Chan, assistant professor of cell and neurobiology at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, told United Press International.

The study was led by Chan and Dr. Michel Cayouette at the Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal.

"In the future, if we can recognize the other proteins involved then we can perhaps understand exactly how myelin is produced."

Nerve fibers are responsible for transmitting electrical signals encoding our thoughts, feelings and actions. Myelin distributes these electrical signals and maximizes their efficiency and velocity throughout the brain and body more