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Multiple sclerosis presents with profound changes in the network of molecules involved in maintaining central nervous system architecture, the extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix components, particularly the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, have functions beyond structural support including their potential interaction with, and regulation of, inflammatory molecules. To investigate the roles of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in multiple sclerosis, we used the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model in a time course study. We found that the 4-sulfated glycosaminoglycan side chains of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, and the core protein of a particular family member, versican V1, were upregulated in the spinal cord of mice at peak clinical severity, correspondent with areas of inflammation. Versican V1 expression in the spinal cord rose progressively over the course of experimental …