# Next generation systems analysis of pathogenetic mechanisms underlying CNS autoimmunity

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT & ST AGRIC COLLEGE · 2020 · $156,000

## Abstract

Project Abstract/Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that is the leading cause of non-traumatic neurological disability in
young adults. The disease is caused by an aberrant immune-mediated attack on the central nervous system,
which causes tissue destruction and subsequent neurologic disability. Disease course varies greatly from
individual to individual, from relapsing-remitting MS, to primary progressive MS. MS is three times more
common in women, but tends to be more severe in men. MS has a significant heritable component, with up to
30% of the disease risk being genetically determined. While recent studies have identified candidate genes
that are associated with MS risk, it remains unclear how these genes work and whether these are truly
causative. Additionally, it is unclear why some individuals get different forms of this disease, and why there are
differences between men and women. These types of questions are very difficult, if not impossible, to address
in studies in humans. In this application, we propose to use a mouse model of MS to address this question.
Mouse models offer powerful genetic tools, and allow for cause/effect mechanistic studies. We will use a novel
mouse genetic model that is designed to better represent the complex genetic structure of human populations,
which will allow us to dissect the complex genetic architecture underlying MS pathogenesis, and to identify
specific genes responsible for various poorly understood aspects of this disease.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9964692
- **Project number:** 5R21AI145306-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT & ST AGRIC COLLEGE
- **Principal Investigator:** Dimitry N Krementsov
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $156,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-06-25 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9964692

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9964692, Next generation systems analysis of pathogenetic mechanisms underlying CNS autoimmunity (5R21AI145306-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9964692. Licensed CC0.

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