Development of a new drug to overcome progressive MS
In 2018 the Trish Foundation partnered with MS Research Australia to fully fund additional research of Dr Steven Petratos, Monash University. Dr Petratos was awarded a one year Project Grant to test a drug that could stop and potentially reverse progressive MS.
The damage to the myelin layer in MS not only hinders the nerve impulses travelling down the nerve fibres, but also leaves the cells vulnerable to dying. It is thought that this nerve death is a large contributor to progressive MS. Dr Petratos and his team have previously generated strong data indicating that a protein called MCT8, a thyroid hormone transporter, is vital for the survival of oligodendrocytes, the myelin producing cells. They have also developed a drug called DITPA, which can mimic the activity of the MCT8 protein. This project sets out to conduct further laboratory tests of this potential new treatment for progressive MS, by investigating this drug as a way of promoting remyelination and protection of nerve cells. The team ultimately hopes to take this drug forward for testing in clinical trials in people with MS.
Dr Petratos and his team have investigated the levels of the MCT8 protein in cells of the body during development and adulthood, and in laboratory models of demyelination. They have also investigated the level of MCT8 protein in human brain tissue with neurodegenerative disorders. Their results show that this protein is present throughout development in the cells that lead to oligodendrocytes suggesting it is important for their survival. Interestingly, following injury, which could result in demyelination, the protein level of MCT8 increased in immune cells and decreased in myelin producing cells.
Dr Petratos has also shown that thyroid hormone signaling (a chemical system by which cells communicate with each other) is reduced in the models of demyelination and altered in human brain tissue with neurodegenerative disorders. While more analysis of these findings is required, they suggest that proteins like MCT8 are necessary during brain development, and that their levels in cells are altered following damage to myelin. Dr Petratos is currently in the process of testing the drug, DITPA, in laboratory models of MS. These findings may provide a new platform for investigation of novel interventions to limit further degeneration and promote remyelination in conditions such as progressive MS.
Dr Petratos has presented his research at national conferences and has received further funding from the Bethlehem Griffiths Research Foundation. He has also prepared and published several manuscripts in scientific journals.