Dr. Mike Namaka                                 Dr. Emma E. Frost

Including

Press Release, July 2011

Mike on TV publicising our recent collaborative grant with Pfizer Global UK.

Our research is focused on the development of neuropathic pain in Muiltiple Sclerosis, and on myelin in health and disease.

Oligodendrocytes are the myelinating cells of the central nervous system. They originate in the embryonic telencephalon, and migrate across the sub-pallial layer to the germinal matrices of the ganglionic eminences and sub ventricular zone. We are studying the molecular regulation of cell migration, and differentiation. We use numerous in vitro assays, along with molecular biology to study the role of various regulatory proteins in the tyrosine kinase receptor regulated migration. In addition, we are investigating novel transcription factors, that we have shown play a role in the regulation of several myelin specific proteins.

In addition, we are working on the role of inflammatory proteins in the development of neuropathic pain in a rodent model of MS. The cause of MS remains to be clarified, however there are several theories, including that of a two stage autoimmune disease. This theory states that the initial inflammatory phase is followed by oligodendrocyte death, demyelination, and loss of axons. We have already identified significant changes in inflammatory cytokines that correlate with the temproal induction of both neurological disability and the induction of neuropathic pain.

More details an be found on our research page.