MS Brain Damage Driven by Mitochondria Malfunction

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by damage to the material that surrounds nerve cells called myelin. This can lead to communication problems between the cells of the brain and the rest of the body and cause trouble with balance, muscle weakness, and paralysis, among others. 

New research from the University of California, Riverside reveals a mechanism behind the motor impairment seen in MS. 

The key players in their study are:

• Mitochondria: Mitochondria are the parts of a cell responsible for generating energy. They’re often known as the “powerhouse” of the cell.
• Purkinje cells: These cells are neurons within the cerebellum of the brain. The cerebellum, which sits at the back of the head, is responsible for movement, balance, and muscle tone. Purkinje cells help coordinate these functions.

The researchers noticed that brains from multiple sclerosis patients often have problems in Purkinje cells, including problems with their mitochondria. The neurons weren’t getting enough energy. In a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis where mice develop symptoms similar to MS, the researchers found that the mice lost Purkinje cells over time. This is similar to what happens in people with MS. While the Purkinje cells do eventually die, the problems due to energy and myelin loss start before the neurons actually die.

In the future, it’s possible that targeting and trying to correct mitochondrial problems could help prevent or slow the progression of multiple sclerosis.

Citation

Atkinson, K., et al. (2025). Decreased mitochondrial activity in the demyelinating cerebellum of progressive multiple sclerosis and chronic EAE contributes to Purkinje cell loss. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 122 (25) e2421806122, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2421806122