Research Focus Over the past decade, Dr Antonella Ragnini-Wilson’s research has focused on a central question in adult CNS regeneration: how can oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) be reactivated after demyelination to promote remyelination? Using phenotypic screening based on the mouse oligodendroglial cell line Oli-neuM, her research identified promyelinating compounds that enhance OPC differentiation. Target-network analysis revealed a previously unexplored role for the Smoothened (SMO) receptor in regulating OPC differentiation, and implicated glucocorticoid receptor signalling in adult myelin repair. Her current research builds on a strong background in yeast molecular and cell biology, where she made pioneering contributions to mitochondrial ion transport and vesicular trafficking, including the identification of key Mg²⁺ transporters and the yeast Rab escort protein Mrs6. She also contributed to elucidating the complex network linking Rab GTPases and myosin V motor function. More recently, her work has revealed fundamental mechanisms regulating OPC differentiation through SMO inhibition, leading to the development of potent SMO inhibitors with potential therapeutic implications for multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases. Her long-term goal is to advance these strategies towards new therapies for CNS demyelination and repair.