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in an articleThis project is one of many supported by the Society that addresses Pathways to Cures and aims to stop nerve cell loss and restore mobility. When impairment in movement and coordination become severe enough, it may affect the body’s ability to stay active. Watch a video to learn more about staying mobile with MS . Read a scientific summary: “Decreased mitochondrial activity in the demyelinating cerebellum of progressive multiple sclerosis and chronic EAE contributes to Purkinje cell loss ” byKelley C. Atkinson, Shane Desfor, Micah Feria, Maria T. Sekyia, Marvellous Osunde, Sandhya Sriram, Saima Noori, Wendy Rincóna, Britany Bello, and Seema K. Tiwari-Woodruff. Published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). " c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">Researchers at University of California, Riverside showed that impairment of mitochondria (structures inside cells that generate energy) may contribute to the loss of certain brain cells in people with MS – cells that are linked to movement and balance. Background: Purkinje cells are specialized cells in the brain’s cerebellum that communicate with other parts of the brain and spinal cord to regulate movement and balance. These cells are commonly reduced or damaged in people with MS, contributing to motor impairment symptoms. Until recently, little was known about what causes this loss.The Study: A team of researchers funded by the Society looked at brain tissue from people with MS and mice that display MS-like symptoms to see how Purkinje cells are impacted and whether mitochondria, the energy-producing “powerhouses” of the cell, could be a factor in loss.Results: They showed that the inflammation and damage to myelin (the protective coating on nerve cells) seen with MS causes impairments in mitochondrial function and energy production. When the mitochondria didn’t work well, it led to Purkinje cell damage and death. Over time, the mitochondrial impairment and cell loss got worse, like what happens with progressive MS.Why Does This Matter? These results suggest that treatments that can protect or maintain mitochondrial function could be an effective strategy for MS, especially for controlling problems with movement and balance.Learn more… Read about the study in an article from University of California, Riverside. This project is one of many supported by the Society that addresses Pathways to Cures and aims to stop nerve cell loss and restore mobility. When impairment in movement and coordination become severe enough, it may affect the body’s ability to stay active. Watch a video to learn more about staying mobile with MS . Read a scientific summary: “Decreased mitochondrial activity in the demyelinating cerebellum of progressive multiple sclerosis and chronic EAE contributes to Purkinje cell loss ” byKelley C. Atkinson, Shane Desfor, Micah Feria, Maria T. Sekyia, Marvellous Osunde, Sandhya Sriram, Saima Noori, Wendy Rincóna, Britany Bello, and Seema K. Tiwari-Woodruff. Published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). in an articleThis project is one of many supported by the Society that addresses Pathways to Cures and aims to stop nerve cell loss and restore mobility. When impairment in movement and coordination become severe enough, it may affect the body’s ability to stay active. Watch a video to learn more about staying mobile with MS . Read a scientific summary: “Decreased mitochondrial activity in the demyelinating cerebellum of progressive multiple sclerosis and chronic EAE contributes to Purkinje cell loss ” byKelley C. Atkinson, Shane Desfor, Micah Feria, Maria T. Sekyia, Marvellous Osunde, Sandhya Sriram, Saima Noori, Wendy Rincóna, Britany Bello, and Seema K. Tiwari-Woodruff. Published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). " c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">Researchers at University of California, Riverside showed that impairment of mitochondria (structures inside cells that generate energy) may contribute to the loss of certain brain cells in people with MS – cells that are linked to movement and balance. Background: Purkinje cells are specialized cells in the brain’s cerebellum that communicate with other parts of the brain and spinal cord to regulate movement and balance. These cells are commonly reduced or damaged in people with MS, contributing to motor impairment symptoms. Until recently, little was known about what causes this loss.The Study: A team of researchers funded by the Society looked at brain tissue from people with MS and mice that display MS-like symptoms to see how Purkinje cells are impacted and whether mitochondria, the energy-producing “powerhouses” of the cell, could be a factor in loss.Results: They showed that the inflammation and damage to myelin (the protective coating on nerve cells) seen with MS causes impairments in mitochondrial function and energy production. When the mitochondria didn’t work well, it led to Purkinje cell damage and death. Over time, the mitochondrial impairment and cell loss got worse, like what happens with progressive MS.Why Does This Matter? These results suggest that treatments that can protect or maintain mitochondrial function could be an effective strategy for MS, especially for controlling problems with movement and balance.Learn more… Read about the study in an article from University of California, Riverside. This project is one of many supported by the Society that addresses Pathways to Cures and aims to stop nerve cell loss and restore mobility. When impairment in movement and coordination become severe enough, it may affect the body’s ability to stay active. Watch a video to learn more about staying mobile with MS . Read a scientific summary: “Decreased mitochondrial activity in the demyelinating cerebellum of progressive multiple sclerosis and chronic EAE contributes to Purkinje cell loss ” byKelley C. Atkinson, Shane Desfor, Micah Feria, Maria T. Sekyia, Marvellous Osunde, Sandhya Sriram, Saima Noori, Wendy Rincóna, Britany Bello, and Seema K. Tiwari-Woodruff. Published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). nationalmssociety.org, Facebook , X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram , YouTube or 1-800-344-4867 . " c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">About Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Currently there is no cure. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include disabling fatigue, mobility challenges, cognitive changes, and vision issues. An estimated 1 million people live with MS in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimize disability. Significant progress is being made to achieve a world free of MS. About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society The National MS Society, founded in 1946, is the global leader of a growing movement dedicated to creating a world free of MS. The Society funds cutting-edge research for a cure, drives change through advocacy and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Connect to learn more and get involved: nationalmssociety.org , Facebook , X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram , YouTube or 1-800-344-4867 . nationalmssociety.org, Facebook , X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram , YouTube or 1-800-344-4867 . " c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">About Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Currently there is no cure. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include disabling fatigue, mobility challenges, cognitive changes, and vision issues. An estimated 1 million people live with MS in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimize disability. Significant progress is being made to achieve a world free of MS. About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society The National MS Society, founded in 1946, is the global leader of a growing movement dedicated to creating a world free of MS. The Society funds cutting-edge research for a cure, drives change through advocacy and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Connect to learn more and get involved: nationalmssociety.org , Facebook , X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram , YouTube or 1-800-344-4867 .
Mitochondria and brain damage