Enhanced axonal response of mitochondria to demyelination offers neuroprotection: implications for multiple sclerosis

Dr. Don Mahad from University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom,  will join the Targeting Mitochondria 2020 Congress on October 29-30 which will be organized virtually and give a major presentation entitled "Enhanced axonal response of mitochondria to demyelination offers neuroprotection: implications for multiple sclerosis".

Axonal loss is the key pathological substrate of neurological disability in demyelinating disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the consequences of demyelination on neuronal and axonal biology are poorly understood. The abundance of mitochondria in demyelinated axons in MS raises the possibility that increased mitochondrial content serves as a compensatory response to demyelination.

Enhancement of ARMD, by targeting mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial transport from the cell body to axon, protects acutely demyelinated axons from degeneration. 

Enhancement of mitochondrial dynamics in complex IV deficient neurons protects the axon upon demyelination. Consequently, increased mobilisation of mitochondria from the neuronal cell body to the axon is a novel neuroprotective strategy for the vulnerable, acutely demyelinated axon. We propose that promoting ARMD is likely to be a crucial preceding step for implementing potential regenerative strategies for demyelinating disorders.

 

Targeting Mitochondria 2020 Congress
October 29-30, 2020
www.targeting-mitochondria.com