Environmental Triggers in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis

Our research uses microscopy, bacterial and cell cultures, animal models, transcriptomics, and microbiome techniques to investigate how the microbiome and specific pathogens influence multiple sclerosis (MS) via the gut-brain axis. We focus on the association between epsilon toxin-producing Clostridium perfringens strains and gut dysbiosis in MS, and on the mechanisms by which these bacteria may induce demyelinating diseases. In another area, we investigate mechanisms of remyelination using epsilon toxin-induced demyelination, lysolecithin focal demyelination, cuprizone intoxication, and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis models. Our objective is to elucidate the pathways involved in MS pathogenesis, identify potential therapeutic targets, and develop strategies to promote myelin repair.

Weill Cornell Medicine Multiple Sclerosis Center 1305 York Ave., Second Floor New York, NY 10021