Researchers exploring potential treatments for multiple sclerosis might have stumbled upon an unexpected source of help — the yak.
The hardy, high-altitude relative of the cow may hold the key to a breakthrough in medicine, as suggested by a study published in the journal Neuron on March 13.
Central to this discovery is the myelin sheath, which serves as a protective layer around nerve fibers, facilitating communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
In multiple sclerosis (MS), the immune system mistakenly attacks this sheath, leading to problems such as balance issues and coordination difficulties.
Previous studies indicated that animals, like yaks and antelopes, living on the Tibetan Plateau — often termed the “Roof of the World” due to its elevation — possess a unique genetic mutation called Restat. This mutation protects their brains against low-oxygen environments without harming the myelin sheath.
Scientists are now hopeful that this same genetic trait could aid humans in repairing damaged nerves by promoting the regrowth of the protective coating, potentially opening new avenues for MS treatment.
This disease generally affects adults aged 20 to 40, with about 1 million people in the U.S. currently diagnosed, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
In an effort to investigate if the Restat mutation might safeguard nerve health in humans, Liang Zhang, a neuroscientist at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and his team examined mice that were engineered to possess this mutation under low-oxygen conditions.
The results were quite promising.
Mice with the genetic modification not only excelled in memory and behavior assessments but also exhibited healthier and thicker myelin. Remarkably, when these mice experienced nerve damage, their myelin repaired itself more quickly and thoroughly.
The mechanism appears to involve the gene enhancing the production of a vitamin A-related molecule known as ATDR — or all-trans-13,14-dihydroretinol — which is essential for creating and maturing the cells responsible for myelin.
Moreover, when researchers administered ATDR to mice with conditions similar to MS, their symptoms showed improvement, and their movement capabilities enhanced.
While existing MS treatments primarily focus on suppressing the immune system to slow disease progression, this innovative yak-inspired methodology aims to restore nerve damage to nearly normal conditions, according to Zhang and his colleagues.
If proven safe, this new approach might also benefit other disorders related to nerve damage, such as cerebral palsy and even stroke, Zhang noted.
“There’s a lot we can learn from the evolutionary adaptations of these creatures to address medical challenges,” Zhang expressed, as reported by ScienceNews.
“We still have much to uncover regarding naturally occurring genetic adaptations.”
