However, recent results from the investigator s lab and others indicate that NGF can also induce cell death. These studies have direct applicability to understanding mechanisms operative in demyelinating diseases since one of the prime targets for NGF-induced cell death are the cells which are responsible for myelination of nerves within the central nervous system. Myelination of nerves is necessary for neural conduction.
Demyelination leads to progressive dysfunction such as seen in multiple sclerosis.
The investigator has been studying the signal transduction pathways that lead to nerve growth factor induced death in certain cells of the nervous system. He is currently trying to identify how ceramide kills the cells. Understanding this process will inevitably aid in the development of strategies to interfere with neurodegenerative conditions associated with demyelination. Also, control of the ceramide-initiated cascade of events in neurons may provide a useful target for drug intervention in diseases that exhibit enhanced rates of programmed cell death. Permission is granted to copy and distribute this information provided that this copyright statement accompanies such distribution.