PhD conferral Melissa Schepers

Keywords: phosphodiesterase, remyelination, neuroinflammation

"PDE4 gene inhibition – a novel approach to treat demyelinating disorders" 

Neurological disorders such as MS, spinal cord injury, and nerve damage can result in damage to the myelin sheath, the protective layer around nerve fibers in the body. This leads to disrupted signal transmission between the brain and other parts of the body, resulting in a range of symptoms, including paralysis and cognitive problems. Stimulating the regrowth of this protective layer, also known as remyelination, can therefore be an important therapeutic strategy for treating such disorders. In addition, the immune system also plays a significant role in neurological disorders, as it can attack the myelin sheath, leading to further nerve damage. Reducing the immune reaction against the nervous system can alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression. This thesis demonstrates that a specific class of proteins called phosphodiesterase 4 subtypes are potential new targets for developing therapies that can promote recovery and suppress the inflammatory response.

Language: English

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