Neuroimmunology Research
Below are faculty studying novel agents and therapeutics to advance the understanding of multiple sclerosis (MS) and related inflammatory diseases and continually improve treatment options.
To learn about ongoing clinical trials or participate in a study, visit the clinical trials page for our MS and Neuroimmunology Division.
Labs
Popko LabDr. Popko lab aims to uncover fundamental aspects of myelinating glial cell development and the myelination process, as well as the detailed function of the myelin sheath.
Dr. Popko lab aims to uncover fundamental aspects of myelinating glial cell development and the myelination process, as well as the detailed function of the myelin sheath.
The Popko laboratory has a long-standing interest in the myelin sheath. Myelin is the multilayered membrane structure that surrounds most axons of the central and peripheral nervous systems. This extension of the myelinating glial cells’ plasma membrane promotes the very rapid nerve conduction velocities that are required in higher vertebrates, and it provides critical trophic support to the axons. Myelin is produced by Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system and by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system.
Our research interests include studies designed to uncover fundamental aspects of myelinating glial cell development, the myelination process, as well as the detailed function of the myelin sheath. We also devote considerable effort to gaining a better understanding of the neurological disorders that disrupt the myelination process during development and the maintenance of the myelin sheath in adults. In addition, we are particularly interested in developing therapeutic approaches to protect the myelinating cells from cytotoxic insult and to enhance the remyelination of demyelinated axons.
For lab information and more, visit Dr. Popko's faculty profile or the Popko Lab website.
Elbaz LabDr. Elbaz’s lab investigates the mechanisms that regulate myelin-forming cell development and function.
Dr. Elbaz’s lab investigates the mechanisms that regulate myelin-forming cell development and function.
Research Description
Myelin is a multilayer lipid membrane structure that ensheaths and insulates axons, allowing for the efficient propagation of action potentials along axons. Myelin is formed by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS), and by Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
In the CNS, our research is focused on the transcriptional control of oligodendrocyte differentiation and CNS myelin formation. Current projects in the lab reveal new role for oligodendrocyte lineage cells in shaping the extracellular matrix of the brain and explore new, oligodendrocyte-specific, metabolic flux that protect the brain from toxic lipid peroxidation.
In the PNS, our research is focused on understanding the mechanisms involved in PNS injury, recovery, and remyelination.
For lab information and more, see Dr. Elbaz's faculty profile and and the Elbaz lab website.
Publications
Find Dr. Elbaz's bibliography of publications here on PubMed.
Contact
For Dr. Elbaz please email: benayahu.elbaz-eilon@northwestern.edu
Our Mailing Address
The Elbaz Lab
Department of Neurology
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
7-450 Searle Building
310 East Superior Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Staff
Benayahu (Benny) Elbaz-Eilon, Principal investigator, Assistant Professor of Neurologyelbaz-eilon@northwestern.edu
Research Faculty
Balabanov, Roumen D
Associate Professor, Neurology (MS/Neuroimmunology)
Cohen, Bruce A
Professor, Neurology (MS/Neuroimmunology)
Elbaz-eilon, Benayahu
Assistant Professor, Neurology (MS/Neuroimmunology)
Graham, Edith L
Assistant Professor, Neurology (MS/Neuroimmunology), Neurology (Hospital Neurology)
Kuntz, Nancy L
Professor, Pediatrics (Neurology and Epilepsy), Neurology - Ken and Ruth Davee Department
Popko, Brian J
Professor, Neurology (MS/Neuroimmunology)