Can cerebrospinal KIF levels predict MS progression?
Dr Alastair Wilkins
University of Bristol
About the project
Reducing the uncertainty around MS progression is one of our top research priorities. We know that worsening symptoms and MS progression is linked to the nerve damage, but right now this is difficult to measure.
Our researchers want to develop a new way of measuring nerve damage. They will do this by measuring the levels of certain proteins called KIF in the fluid surrounding the spinal cord and brain. They will also try and identify genetic changes that increase the likelihood of nerve damage using blood samples.
If they are successful, we could use this information to predict how someone's MS could progress. This could help people to make more informed treatment choices.
How will it help people with MS?
Finding biomarkers and genetic differences that predict MS progression will allow people with MS have greater certainty over their lives. It can also help them make better informed choices when deciding to take more or less aggressive treatment.
The difference you can make
MS is unpredictable and can be hard to live with. Giving people greater certainty about how their condition will progress is one of our top seven organisational goals. But we can only do this with your support.
Make a donation to help stop MS
The next research breakthrough is in reach. Your donation will help stop MS.
£10could buy vital lab supplies for MS researchers, helping them find ways to stop MS faster
£20could pay for lab equipment like petri dishes to grow bacteria important for studying the genetics of MS
£30could process one blood sample, giving us crucial information about genes that could lead to treatment breakthroughs
Every penny you give really does take us a step closer to stopping MS. Your donation will make a difference.
£10a month could pay for lab equipment like microscope slides to study the building blocks of MS
£20a month could pay for lab equipment like petri dishes to grow bacteria important for studying genetics
£30a month could process a blood sample to help us understand what causes MS, so we can stop it in its tracks
Your regular donation means we can keep funding world class MS research with confidence. Together we will stop MS.