Pelizaeus–Merzbacher disease is an X-linked neurological disorder that damages oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system. It is caused by mutations in proteolipid protein 1 (PLP1), a major myelin protein. It is characterized by a decrease in the amount of insulating myelin surrounding the nerves (hypomyelination) and belongs to a group of genetic diseases referred to as leukodystrophies. Signs and symptoms
The hallmark signs and symptoms of Pelizaeus–Merzbacher disease include little or no movement in the arms or legs, respiratory difficulties, and characteristic horizontal movements of the eyes left to right.The onset of Pelizaeus–Merzbacher disease is usually in early infancy. The most characteristic early signs are nystagmus (rapid, involuntary, rhythmic motion of the eyes) and low muscle tone. Motor abilities are delayed or never acquired, mostly depending upon the severity of the mutation. Most children with Pelizaeus–Merzbacher disease learn to understand language, and usually have some speech. Other signs may include tremor, lack of coordination,  involuntary movements, weakness, unsteady gait, and over time, spasticity in legs and arms. Muscle contractures often occur over time. Mental functions may deteriorate. Some patients may have convulsions and skeletal deformation, such as scoliosis, resulting from abnormal muscular stress on bones. Cause
Pelizaeus–Merzbacher disease is caused by X-linked recessive mutations in the major myelin protein proteolipid protein 1 (PLP1). This causes hypomyelination in the central nervous system and severe neurological disease. The majority of mutations result in duplications of the entire PLP1 gene.
The trial did not show meaningful efficacy and the company has since gone bankrupt.In 2019 Paul Tesar, a professor at Case Western Reserve University, used CRISPR and antisense therapy in a mouse model of Pelizaeus–Merzbacher with success. In 2022 Case Western Reserve University entered a exclusive licensing agreement with Ionis Pharmaceuticals to develop a human treatment for the disorder. See also
The Myelin Project
The Stennis Foundation

References
Further reading
Uhlenberg, Birgit; Schuelke, Markus; Rüschendorf, Franz; Ruf, Nico; Kaindl, Angela M.; Henneke, Marco; Thiele, Holger; Stoltenburg-Didinger, Gisela; Aksu, Fuat; Topaloğlu, Haluk; Nürnberg, Peter; Hübner, Christoph; Weschke, Bernhard; Gärtner, Jutta (August 2004). "Mutations in the Gene Encoding Gap Junction Protein α12 (Connexin 46.6) Cause Pelizaeus-Merzbacher–Like Disease". The American Journal of Human Genetics. 75 (2): 251–260. doi:10.1086/422763. PMC 1216059. PMID 15192806. External links
Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease - PMD Foundation
Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease. NINDS/National Health Institutes. pmd at NIH/UW GeneTests