Community Spotlight: Gene from High Altitude Yak Protected and Repaired Myelin Sheath in Early MS Study

Community Spotlight: Gene from High Altitude Yak Protected and Repaired Myelin Sheath in Early MS Study

Why this story matters: In the face of daunting global challenges, it is the smaller, localized victories that often provide the most significant inspiration. This story highlights one of those bright spots, proving that positive change is always possible. Quick summary: This story highlights recent developments related to multiple sclerosis, showing how constructive action can lead to meaningful results. A wild yak in Tibet – credit, Alexandr Frolov, CC 4.0. via Wiki A special gene that helps animals like the yak survive at high altitude could enable new treatments for multiple sclerosis after positive findings from a mouse model. The genetic mutation that enables yaks to live in environments with much less oxygen, and may hold the key to repairing nerve damage in conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and cerebral paralysis, which currently have no cures. The myelin sheath is a protective tissue layer that surrounds nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord, and protects them while t…