Collaborative programs
Collaboration is a driving force behind the research that takes place within the Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology. A network of research labs and principal investigators forms the hub that brings together physician-scientists across the spectrum of neurological conditions and drives the advances that allow Mayo Clinic to stand apart as a leader in the field.
Here are some of the investigators who collaborate with us.
Brian G. Weinshenker, M.D.
Dr. Weinshenker studies multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica and other demyelinating diseases. His work has focused on the McArdle sign, a rarely recognized but common phenomenon that is specific to multiple sclerosis. The McArdle sign is a weakness caused or worsened by neck flexion that is immediately reversible with neck extension. Dr. Weinshenker investigates the physiological developments that underlie the McArdle sign, which may be a way of predicting response to certain medicines that enhance axonal function in multiple sclerosis.
Neuroregeneration and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory
Isobel A. Scarisbrick, Ph.D., is principal investigator of the Neuroregeneration and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory. Research in the lab focuses on neural repair and neural regeneration. Dr. Scarisbrick's goal is to solve fundamental mysteries of the biology and physiology underlying these processes, which inform mechanisms and new targets for treatment.
Nucleic Acid Structure and Recognition Laboratory
Jim Maher III, Ph.D., is principal investigator of the Nucleic Acid Structure and Recognition Laboratory. Dr. Maher focuses on bringing approaches of molecular biology and in vitro nucleic acid selection to the problem of triggering therapeutic remyelination in multiple sclerosis. The lab has developed folded DNA aptamers with affinity for myelin membranes and the ability to stimulate remyelination in some animal models of MS. Dr. Maher's long-term goals include understanding the mechanism of these agents and optimizing them for potential clinical use.
Multiple Sclerosis Imaging Laboratory
The Multiple Sclerosis Imaging Laboratory is a collaboration between principal investigators Jan-Mendelt Tillema, M.D., and John D. Port, M.D., Ph.D. The lab studies development of new and improved MRI techniques for accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of central nervous system demyelinating and inflammatory conditions. The goal is to improve detection of all pathological aspects in MS, validate new techniques and translate them into clinical practice.
Translational Neuroimmunology Laboratory
Charles L. Howe, Ph.D., is principal investigator of the Translational Neuroimmunology Laboratory. The lab focuses on understanding and therapeutically manipulating immunological responses to injury, loss of homeostasis, degeneration, autoimmunity and infection in the central nervous system. Dr. Howe's goal is to develop novel therapeutic strategies to protect and repair the central nervous system.
Epilepsy and Neurophysiology Laboratory
Gregory A. Worrell, M.D., Ph.D., is principal investigator of the Bioelectronics Neurophysiology and Engineering Laboratory. The lab's focus is on exploring the human brain. Dr. Worrell's goals are to advance understanding of neurological conditions and to translate discoveries into new diagnostic tools and therapeutics.
Mitochondrial Neurobiology and Therapeutics Laboratory
Eugenia Trushina, Ph.D., is principal investigator of the Mitochondrial Neurobiology and Therapeutics Laboratory. The lab focuses on understanding the early molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, metabolic disorders and aging, with a special emphasis on the contributing role of altered mitochondrial dynamics and function. Studies in Dr. Trushina's lab provide a foundation to develop disease-modifying mitochondria-targeted interventions.
Neuroimmunology Laboratory
The Neuroimmunology Laboratory is led by three principal investigators — Sean J. Pittock, M.D., Andrew McKeon, M.B., B.Ch., M.D., and John R. Mills, Ph.D. The lab studies ways to speed up the diagnosis of autoimmune neurological diseases and cancer by providing immunobiologically sound serological tests and interpreting autoantibody profiles. The lab seeks to define neuronal muscle and glial antigens and investigates immunopathological mechanisms of neurological disease. It's also devising and validating novel serological tests to help diagnose neurological autoimmunity and to predict and monitor cancer.