Researchers from the Universities of Exeter and Alberta have identified a protein in the brain which they believe could be key in the onset of multiple sclerosis.

The teams found that protein Rab32 is prevalent in the brains of those with MS but is very rare or absent in the brains of healthy subjects. It was found that the presence of Rab32 was corroborant with strange behaviour in mitochondria within cells – calcium-storing elements of the cell become too close them, causing a breakdown in communication in the triggering of calcium supply, which leads to toxicity within the brain cells. It is not yet known what caused this proliferation of Rab32, but the research unlocks new potential within the study of the disease.

"Multiple sclerosis can have a devastating impact on people's lives, affecting mobility, speech, mental ability and more," explained Professor Paul Eggleton of the University of Exeter Medical School. "So far, all medicine can offer is treatment and therapy for the symptoms - as we do not yet know the precise causes, research has been limited.

"Our exciting new findings have uncovered a new avenue for researchers to explore. It is a critical step, and in time, we hope it might lead to effective new treatments for MS," he continued.

Multiple sclerosis damages the body by causing immune cells in the body to attack myelin, a fatty substance which protects the brain and spinal cord, cutting blood and oxygen supply which can lead to the formation of lesions.