The enzyme CEMIP is tied to myelin damage seen in multiple sclerosis, stroke and Alzheimer’s, new research has revealed, pointing to a new target for brain repair.
Researchers aim to develop ways to target the enzyme to heal or slow disease.
The study, from Oregon Health & Science University, found that cell migration inducing and hyaluronan-binding protein (CEMIP) is key in conditions involving myelin loss.
Myelin is the insulating sheath around nerve-cell axons that carries electrical signals.
CEMIP breaks down hyaluronic acid, which builds up in the brain after injury. When this accumulates, CEMIP creates fragments that block nervous-system repair.
The enzyme was elevated in demyelinating lesions in mice and in people with multiple sclerosis who had donated their bodies to science.
The researcher wrote: “If we could regulate this enzyme, we might have a handle on promoting central nervous system repair.
“It gives us a better idea of which molecules are worth going after if we want to promote myelin repair. This will be important for multiple sclerosis, but it also could be useful Alzheimer’s and probably a lot of other conditions such as stroke or traumatic brain injury where myelin becomes disrupted.”
A natural compound derived from dahlias that inhibits CEMIP, identified a year ago, offers a possible way to target the enzyme.
From an evolutionary perspective, CEMIP likely helps regulate the brain’s response to injury.
The researchers wrote: “It’s probably important for the early stage of injury response, but the problem occurs when it develops into a chronic condition.
“CEMIP is effective at chewing up hyaluronic acid that accumulates in our body as we age but it also has a side effect of inhibiting the body’s ability to regenerate myelin.”
