David Rowitch, MD, PhD

Breakthrough CURE ONE, CURE MANY AWARD IN NEUROINFlammation

Selective Neuron Vulnerability to DNA Damage in Neuroinflammatory Disease

Institution: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 

Co-Principal Investigators and Institutions: Stephen Fancy, PhD, DVM, University of California, San Francisco and Gabriel Balmus, PhD, University of Cambridge  

Neuroinflammation plays a significant role in the cell damage and neurodegeneration that occurs in multiple sclerosis (MS). Dr. Rowitch and his team have conducted preliminary studies, in multiple experimental models, confirming that neurons that express the genetic marker CUX2 are lost during neuroinflammation. This vulnerability is linked to impairments to the neurons’ ability to repair DNA that is damaged by certain byproducts created when cells metabolize oxygen.  

Dr. Rowitch and his colleagues will increase scientific understanding of neurodegeneration in MS, identify pathways for clinical intervention, and develop approaches to enhance DNA repair after damage from neuroinflammation. Their project will have potential benefits in terms of treating both MS and other neurodegenerative disorders, such as various types of dementia. 

This $2 million Breakthrough award is funded in collaboration with the National MS Society, Gates Ventures, NFL Players Association, Genentech, and WoodNext Foundation.