How Studies in the Laboratory Demonstrate an Unexpected Connection to Other Aspects in Scientific Reseach

Dr. Robin Franklin, Professor of Neuroscience, Cambridge Center for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, U.K., related how studies in his laboratory demonstrate an unexpected connection to other aspects science.

Over the last year Dr. Franklin’s lab has been continuing its work on how the brains own stem cells are able to replace lost myelin-forming cells (oligodendrocytes). Doing so is expected to help identify therapeutic targets that will help to enhance remyelination in patients. In collaboration with other laboratories several new pathways have been identified that either encourage or prevent stem cells becoming new oligodendrocytes. At this year’s meeting Professor Franklin explained how some of these pathways are also involved in the formation of cancers. Of course, cancer scientists have for some time been developing drugs to influence these pathways. Thus, some of the developments that are being made in cancer treatment may, unexpectedly, have additional roles in encouraging myelin regeneration in myelin diseases. There is still some distance to go in realising the potential of such approaches but current signs indicate that this is a promising line of investigation.