# Neuroprotection in MS:  A Cell-Specific and Region-Specific Transcriptomics Approach

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · 2020 · $444,575

## Abstract

This proposal will use a cell-specific and region-specific transcriptomics approach in the MS preclinical model
to reveal new candidate targets for a tailored, disability-specific, neuroprotective treatment approach in MS.
Neurological pathways underling walking, vision, and cognition differ, as do the cells and molecules within the
neuroanatomic regions that serve them. MS patients are heterogeneous with regard to which disability is the
most severely affected. Thus, we hypothesize that a one size fits all neuroprotective treatment for all
disabilities in MS may not be possible. Rather, a disability specific discovery approach is needed. Aim #1.
Identify neurodegenerative mechanisms using the region-specific astrocyte transcriptome in EAE, here
focusing beyond spinal cord, on optic nerve and hippocampus. Aim #2. Identify neurodegenerative
mechanisms using the region-specific neuronal transcriptome in EAE. Aim #3. Use region-specific
oligodendrocyte transcriptomics to determine molecular mechanisms of remyelination in two complementary
MS models. Aim #4. To begin to translate findings to MS, we will determine whether the alteration in gene
expression in key pathways in MS models occurs in MS using human autopsy tissues. Together, this proposal
will reveal distinct cell-specific and region-specific mechanisms underlying walking, vision, and cognitive
disability in MS.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9927702
- **Project number:** 5R01NS109670-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- **Principal Investigator:** RHONDA R VOSKUHL
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $444,575
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-30 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9927702

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9927702, Neuroprotection in MS:  A Cell-Specific and Region-Specific Transcriptomics Approach (5R01NS109670-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9927702. Licensed CC0.

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