White Matter Protectors: Tyro3 and Gas6 in Multiple Sclerosis

Ever wondered how our brain's white matter stays intact? In multiple sclerosis (MS), two proteins, Tyro3 and Gas6, are key players in maintaining this crucial tissue. These proteins are part of the Gas6/TAM system, which includes Tyro3, Axl, and Mer receptors. While animals have shown these proteins can slow down demyelination and speed up remyelination, human evidence is limited. So, scientists decided to delve deeper into their role in neurodegeneration in MS. How do these proteins work? They help preserve myelin, the fatty substance around nerve fibers that insulates them. In MS, this myelin gets damaged, leading to communication issues between the brain and body. By studying MS patients and comparing them to healthy individuals, researchers found that Gas6 and Tyro3 aren't just bystanders. They actively promote myelin repair and maintain its integrity. Moreover, they seem to be involved in other cellular processes, such as inflammation regulation, which is a big deal in MS. However, there's a catch. These proteins might work differently in various stages of the disease. Understanding this could open new avenues for treatment. But more research is needed to fully grasp their complex role. Imagine if we could target these proteins to boost myelin repair in MS. It could potentially slow down the disease progression. That's why studying these proteins is so important.