Post-translational modifications and multiple sclerosis: assessment of proteolysis and citrullination as disease-modifiers in animal models of neuroinflammation.

The progressive paralysis in multiple sclerosis (MS) is caused by protein alterations. Destructive enzymes, proteases, play a determining role in MS, not only by destruction of the insulating myelin sheath around neuronal extensions, but also by cleavage of other protective molecules, such as beta-interferon, and other cytokines. In this project we will investigate protein destruction and modifications of specific amino acids within proteins (citrullination) at three levels: by biochemical analyses, by the identification of immune cells in an animal model of MS, in which we will primarily focus on long-term effects, and by analyses of sera of patients with MS and healthy subjects. This research aims to obtain better insights in the early detection and treatment of MS.

Keywords:Post-translational modifications, multiple sclerosis, citrullination, disease-modifiers, animal models, neuroinflammation, proteolysis

Disciplines:Immunology