In multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks the myelin sheaths surrounding neurons, disrupting the transmission of nerve signals. Existing therapies suppress inflammation but do not restore damaged myelin. Dr hab. Aleksandra Rutkowska from the Medical University of Gdańsk studies the mechanisms of remyelination – a repair process that the brain can initiate on its own, although its efficiency declines over time.
Immune system disease
In multiple sclerosis, the immune system mistakenly recognises myelin – the substance forming neuronal sheaths – as a threat and destroys it. Myelin acts as insulation, allowing electrical impulses to travel properly between nerve cells. Without it, nerve signal transmission becomes disrupted. Chronic demyelination eventually leads to axonal damage and neurodegeneration.
"Myelin sheaths work like insulation on electrical wiring: once it is lost, electrical impulses escape and information fails to reach its target,” explains the researcher. This mechanism is responsible for symptoms such as visual impairment, sensory disturbances, and mobility problems. Around 50,000 people in Poland live with multiple sclerosis. Globally, the number is about 3 million. The disease affects women aged 25–40 more frequently.
What works, what is still missing
Nearly 30 therapies are currently available that modify the course of the disease. They target the immune system: reducing inflammation, limiting the entry of immune cells into the brain and lowering the number of relapses. However, they do not regenerate damaged myelin sheaths. “These therapies are excellent at extending life and improving its quality, but they do not support regeneration. The disease process continues – just more slowly”, says Aleksandra Rutkowska. Her team aims to develop a therapy that will not only stop disease progression but also actively promote regeneration within the nervous system.
From basic research to clinical practice
The work carried out so far has already resulted in a new therapeutic strategy based on both in vitro and in vivo data. The Polish Patent Office has granted a patent for this solution, and proceedings are currently underway at the European Patent Office. An international investment fund is conducting advanced negotiations on a licence to complete preclinical studies and carry out the first phase of clinical trials involving patients. "A basic research project fully funded by the National Science Centre is entering the implementation phase," says Aleksandra Rutkowska. “There would be no me in science, there would be no team of mine, there would be no patent,” she adds, referring to the role NCN grants have played in her career.
After many years of working in Ireland and Switzerland, Aleksandra Rutkowska returned to Poland thanks to the POLONEZ NCN call, which enabled her to establish an independent research group. She is currently carrying out further NCN projects. She is also a laureate of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science scholarship programme, and her profile has been featured in UNESCO's virtual science museum – as the only Polish woman included alongside Maria Skłodowska-Curie.
#pokolenieNCN
Aleksandra Rutkowska is the first guest in the #pokolenieNCN series – video interviews with NCN laureates, prepared to celebrate the 15th anniversary of NCN.
Since 2011, NCN has funded more than 34,000 research projects with a total value exceeding PLN 19.7 billion and has selected around 24,000 laureates. Each project involves an average four-person team. Altogether, the community around NCN includes tens of thousands of researchers who develop their careers and help integrate Polish science into the international research landscape.
The first episode is available on the NCN YouTube channel. Future episodes will feature archaeologist Małgorzata Kot and physicist Michał Tomza. New interviews in the series will be published every three weeks until the end of the year.