Study of tropical fish reveals MS clues

THE study of a tropical fish has uncovered clues about the human nervous system that could help in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

An examination of the tiny, transparent zebrafish has shed light on how our nerve network protects itself, scientists said.

They have discovered vital information about the way our bodies produce myelin, a fatty sheath that insulates and protects nerve fibres.

The Edinburgh University team studied zebrafish because they share more than 80% of the genes associated with human diseases.

The species has also been shown to respond to drugs in a similar way to humans.

Their transparent bodies allows researchers to look directly into their nervous system without surgical or physical intervention.

Myelin is critical for allowing nerve impulses to be transmitted quickly and affects our ability to walk, speak and see.

The scientists found individual cells in the brain and central nervous system have only a matter of hours in which to generate this protective coating.

They are now studying how the manipulation of genes and the use of drugs might promote myelin formation in zebrafish, potentially paving the way for the treatment of myelin-related conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

The research is being published in the Developmental Cell journal.