# Modulating glial fate and function in development and disease

> **NIH NIH R35** · CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $649,538

## Abstract

SUMMARY
Many of the 100 billion neurons in the human central nervous system require a protective and insulating
coating called myelin to function properly. Loss or damage of this myelin coating underlies many neurological
disorders and therefore regeneration of new myelin is an important part of improving health for patients with
multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica (NMO), and other myelin diseases such as the pediatric
leukodystrophies. Without myelin, certain nerve cells cannot properly conduct electrical impulses, leading to
weakness, fatigue, loss of vision, cognitive decline, and physical incapacity. We have developed a novel
regenerative approach to identify important new potential treatments for patients with myelin loss or
dysfunction that is built upon our expertise in stem cell biology. Our overall goal is to utilize the in vitro mouse
and human stem cell platforms that we have developed to define the central mechanisms responsible for
preventing myelin development and function across the full range of myelin disorders. We seek to discover
novel therapeutic interventions that can modulate the function or regeneration of oligodendrocytes and
astrocytes to restore myelination and neurological function. For multiple sclerosis, we have already defined a
central mechanism to stimulate myelin regeneration and identified potent small molecules that can reverse
paralysis in mouse models of disease. Moving forward, we seek to leverage our innovative technologies and
experience in multiple sclerosis to identify disease- and context-specific effectors of myelin dysfunction and
provide the basis for new therapies.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9986182
- **Project number:** 1R35NS116842-01
- **Recipient organization:** CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Paul Joseph Tesar
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $649,538
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-05-01 → 2028-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9986182

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9986182, Modulating glial fate and function in development and disease (1R35NS116842-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9986182. Licensed CC0.

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