In their latest research article led by first author Markley Silva Oliveira-Junior, a talented PhD student from Brazil working in the Düsseldorf group, the observation in the mouse model that the regeneration effect by Medrysone was is mediated via a completely unexpected cell type - astrocytes - was surprising.
In their study, the scientists were able to show for the first time that astrocytes react specifically in situations where myelin structures are damaged and appear in many different subtypes. Some of these phenotypes attempt to support local tissue repair activities, while others are more oriented toward more severe tissue destruction and even contribute additionally to lesion formation. Highly complex and dynamic behavior was observed, but this in fact be directed by the Medrysone drug toward protective and regenerative cells and toward "taming" neurotoxic astrocyte populations. These findings are unexpected and novel in the field of neuroregeneration in MS. Küry and team have been studying regenerative processes for many years with the goal of identifying new aspects, cell responses, and pharmacological agents to improve regeneration efficiency.
Original publication:
Silva Oliveira-Junior, M., Schira-Heinen, J., Reiche, L., Han, S., de Amorim, V.C.M., Lewen, I., Gruchot, J., Göttle, P., Akkermann, R., Azim, K., and Küry, P. (2022) Myelin repair is fostered by the corticosteroid medrysone specifically acting on astroglial subpopulations. EBioMedicine 83:104204. doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104204. (Online ahead of print).