Epigenetic B-cell aging biomarkers for multiple sclerosis drug target discovery
Research collaboration to map epigenetic age acceleration across the B-cell repertoire in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The project identifies specific B-cell subtypes and gene expression changes driving MS pathogenesis, creating new molecular targets for MS pharmotherapies.
Overview
This research program investigates how epigenetic aging of B-cells contributes to multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. Prior findings from the proposing group showed that B-cells in MS patients carry an epigenetic age acceleration of 5.1 years compared to healthy controls, pointing to immunosenescence (age-related decline in immune function) as a driver of disease. The project will characterize the complete B-cell repertoire across relapsing-remitting and progressive MS, correlate epigenetic markers with gene expression differences, and identify new mechanistic targets for MS drug development.
Technical specifications
Research approach:
- Case-control study recruiting 50 relapsing-remitting MS patients, 50 progressive MS patients, and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls
- Flow cytometry isolation of specific B-cell subtypes, including age-related B cells, to characterize the complete B-cell repertoire
- Genome-wide epigenetic profiling (DNA methylation) and transcriptomic (RNA) analysis of key B-cell subtypes
- Statistical comparison of MS versus control profiles, with calculation of epigenetic age acceleration and age-related differential analysis
- Integration with established biological databases to link epigenetic changes with gene expression and disease mechanisms
Key capabilities:
- Established epigenetic age acceleration methodology validated in approximately 600 MS patients and 600 healthy controls
- Access to clinical MS patient cohorts through affiliated hospital and health system networks
- Combined epigenomic and transcriptomic analysis pipeline for target identification
Technology readiness level
The underlying epigenetic age acceleration methodology has already been validated and published in a peer-reviewed clinical journal using whole blood and purified immune cell data from approximately 600 MS patients and 600 healthy controls. The proposed project extends this work by adding B-cell subtype resolution and transcriptomic correlation, representing an early-stage target discovery program. Outputs are expected to be candidate molecular targets and biomarkers suitable for downstream validation and pharmaceutical development partnerships.
About University of Newcastle
The University of Newcastle is a comprehensive public research university serving metropolitan and regional New South Wales. Industry partners engage through a co‑located research and innovation precinct that houses pilot‑scale laboratories and demonstration facilities. Clinical translation is enabled by integration with the regional health system and hospital network, while nearby aerospace and energy hubs provide ready access to suppliers, test sites, and specialized talent. Research is supported by competitive national funding, including the Australian Research Council and the National Health and Medical Research Council. A dedicated commercialization team manages IP, licensing, and startup formation through campus‑based incubators and an accelerator.
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