Research at BrAMS

BrAMS combines top-class clinical services with cutting edge research. Since we are a locally based charity all funds go directly to the provision of clinical facilities and our own research. Furthermore, if there are particular research projects to which you would like to donate or for which you would like to raise money we will guarantee funds will go directly to that project.

The Multiple Sclerosis and Stem Cell Research Group is part of the Institute of Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Bristol. We are based in laboratories at Frenchay Hospital, close to the clinical BrAMS facility. Our activities centre, in particular, on understanding the cell biology of multiple sclerosis, focusing on repair of the nervous system through stem cell transplantation and preventing nerve fibre loss.

Specific Projects (from the lab to the patient) which are on-going at present include:...

Stem Cell Transplantation trial

A Phase 1 trial has been completed assessing bone marrow transplantation in multiple sclerosis. We are hoping to start a larger trial soon to build on the encouraging results.

 

Basic biology of stem cells

We are also investigating the how bone marrow-derived stem cells may help to repair the nervous system and this research will help us to refine transplantation therapies for multiple sclerosis.

 

How stem cells may help maintain nerve cells in the balance part of the brain and thus improve ataxia

We are looking at the mechanisms by which stem cells protect cells of the cerebellum (balance part of the brain). We hope this may lead us to better treatments for ataxia in multiple sclerosis.

 

How certain medications may prevent nerve fibre loss in multiple sclerosis

We have been funded by the MS Society to look at drugs which may improve the function of cellular component called the peroxisome. We believe that boosting the function of peroxisomes may help to prevent nerve fibre loss in multiple sclerosis. Nerve fibre loss causes progressive and irreversible disability in the disease.

Developing growth factor therapies for multiple sclerosis

A new PhD student has recently started who will be looking at how small molecules called growth factors may protect nerve fibres and myelin in models of multiple sclerosis.

 

A study of protective enzymes in spinal fluid samples

We are carrying out analysis of spinal fluid samples looking at how people with multiple sclerosis may try and fight the effects of inflammation. This will help us to understand the process of inflammation and help to design therapies to boost the body’s defences.

Neurophysiological investigation into the natural progression of primary progressive multiple sclerosis

We are continuing to recruit for a non-therapeutic observational study using both clinical and neurophysiological markers in PPMS patients and controls.  We hope with this study to find sensitive objective measures of deterioration in this currently neglected sub-type of MS to encourage future clinical therapeutic studies.

Clinical Therapeutic Trials

We are currently participating in several ongoing international and national multi-centre clinical studies.  We plan to start recruiting for several more such studies over the coming years.  Patients potentially interested in such trials are kept on our MS database.