(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':
new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],
j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src=
'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);
})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-WZZLD89');
window.addEventListener('pushdatalayer', function(event) {
const section = event.detail?.siteSection;
const subsection = event.detail?.siteSubsection;
const pageUrl = event.detail?.pageUrl;
const pageTitle = event.detail?.pageTitle;
const promptSelection = event.detail?.promptSelection;
const formId = event.detail?.formId;
const dataLayerEvent = {
event: event.detail.eventName,
eventCallback: function () {
document.dispatchEvent(new CustomEvent('postdatalayerpush', {
bubbles: true,
composed: true,
detail: event.detail,
}));
},
};
if (section) {
dataLayerEvent['site_section'] = section;
}
if (subsection) {
dataLayerEvent['site_subsection'] = subsection;
}
if (pageUrl) {
dataLayerEvent['pageUrl'] = pageUrl;
}
if (pageTitle) {
dataLayerEvent['pageTitle'] = pageTitle;
}
if(promptSelection){
dataLayerEvent['promptSelection'] = promptSelection;
}
if(formId){
dataLayerEvent['form_ID'] = formId;
}
window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];
window.dataLayer.push(dataLayerEvent);
});
document.addEventListener('checkcookie', () => {
var hasCookie = document.cookie.split(';')
.some((cookie) => cookie.trim().startsWith('CookieConsent='));
document.dispatchEvent(new CustomEvent('hascookie', { detail: hasCookie }));
});
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University discovered that a protein called SOX6 acts like a molecular “brake,” keeping brain cells from maturing into myelin-producing cells. Identifying ways to lower SOX6 levels could have important implications for myelin repair. This study was supported through a 2024 request for proposals. National MS Society staff recognized the need to accelerate research on myelin repair and nerve cell protection and funded the most promising projects. Background: In MS, the body’s immune system damages myelin, the protective coating around nerve cells, leading to disability over time. Myelin repair is possible but is ineffective in MS. Oligodendrocytes make and repair myelin, but these specialized brain cells must first mature. In MS, the cells often remain stuck in an immature state. Understanding what controls the maturation process could be key to developing new treatment strategies that restore myelin and improve function in people with MS.The Study: Researchers at Case Western Reserve University used multiple approaches – including lab-grown cells, mouse models, and donated human brain tissue – to study molecular changes that occurred as immature oligodendrocytes matured into myelin-producing cells, and to test strategies that could strengthen this process.Results: The group found that one protein, called SOX6, keeps immature oligodendrocytes stuck in their early stage and unable to repair damaged myelin. Brain tissue from people with MS showed unusually high numbers of cells with this SOX6 immature signature.Researchers then reduced SOX6 levels in mice. When SOX6 levels were lowered, oligodendrocytes matured quickly, and myelin production increased throughout the brain. Why Does This Matter? Targeting SOX6 could “release the brake” on myelin repair. Unlike current MS treatments that mainly focus on controlling the immune system, a SOX6-based therapy could instead encourage production of new myelin, offering hope to restore nerve function and slow, or even reverse, disability in MS.Learn More… Read a press release summarizing the journal article.Myelin repair is a critical part of restoring what’s been lost , one of the National MS Society’s funding priorities and part of the Pathways to Cures Roadmap . Donating brain tissue after death can play a key role in advancing MS research. Learn more about tissue donation and the National Multiple Sclerosis Brain Bank . “Transient gene melting governs the timing of oligodendrocyte maturation ” by Kevin C. Allan, Jesse J. Zhan, Andrew R. Morton, Erin F. Cohn, Marissa A. Scavuzzo, Anushka Nikhil, Matthew S. Elitt, Benjamin L.L. Clayton, Lucille R. Hu, H. Elizabeth Shick, Jost K. Vrabic, Hannah E. Olsen, Daniel C. Factor, Jonathan E. Henninger, Gemma Bachmann, Berit E. Powers, Richard A. Young, Charles Y. Lin, Peter C. Scacheri, Tyler E. Miller, and Paul J. Tesar. Published in Cell (2025). Researchers from Case Western Reserve University discovered that a protein called SOX6 acts like a molecular “brake,” keeping brain cells from maturing into myelin-producing cells. Identifying ways to lower SOX6 levels could have important implications for myelin repair. This study was supported through a 2024 request for proposals. National MS Society staff recognized the need to accelerate research on myelin repair and nerve cell protection and funded the most promising projects. Background: In MS, the body’s immune system damages myelin, the protective coating around nerve cells, leading to disability over time. Myelin repair is possible but is ineffective in MS. Oligodendrocytes make and repair myelin, but these specialized brain cells must first mature. In MS, the cells often remain stuck in an immature state. Understanding what controls the maturation process could be key to developing new treatment strategies that restore myelin and improve function in people with MS.The Study: Researchers at Case Western Reserve University used multiple approaches – including lab-grown cells, mouse models, and donated human brain tissue – to study molecular changes that occurred as immature oligodendrocytes matured into myelin-producing cells, and to test strategies that could strengthen this process.Results: The group found that one protein, called SOX6, keeps immature oligodendrocytes stuck in their early stage and unable to repair damaged myelin. Brain tissue from people with MS showed unusually high numbers of cells with this SOX6 immature signature.Researchers then reduced SOX6 levels in mice. When SOX6 levels were lowered, oligodendrocytes matured quickly, and myelin production increased throughout the brain. Why Does This Matter? Targeting SOX6 could “release the brake” on myelin repair. Unlike current MS treatments that mainly focus on controlling the immune system, a SOX6-based therapy could instead encourage production of new myelin, offering hope to restore nerve function and slow, or even reverse, disability in MS.Learn More… Read a press release summarizing the journal article.Myelin repair is a critical part of restoring what’s been lost , one of the National MS Society’s funding priorities and part of the Pathways to Cures Roadmap . Donating brain tissue after death can play a key role in advancing MS research. Learn more about tissue donation and the National Multiple Sclerosis Brain Bank . “Transient gene melting governs the timing of oligodendrocyte maturation ” by Kevin C. Allan, Jesse J. Zhan, Andrew R. Morton, Erin F. Cohn, Marissa A. Scavuzzo, Anushka Nikhil, Matthew S. Elitt, Benjamin L.L. Clayton, Lucille R. Hu, H. Elizabeth Shick, Jost K. Vrabic, Hannah E. Olsen, Daniel C. Factor, Jonathan E. Henninger, Gemma Bachmann, Berit E. Powers, Richard A. Young, Charles Y. Lin, Peter C. Scacheri, Tyler E. Miller, and Paul J. Tesar. Published in Cell (2025). 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 . 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 .
SOX6 Oligodendrocytes