November 7, 2016.
According to a study conducted by a team of researchers at Duke University in the United States, it is a protein that allows zebrafish to regenerate their spinal cord. A promising lead for a possible treatment for humans.
Zebrafish manage to regenerate their spinal cord
American researchers have succeeded in isolating one of the proteins that allow zebrafish to regenerate their spinal cord. In humans, spinal cord injury can lead to paralysis or death. To achieve these results, the researchers inflicted a spinal cord injury on the fish and observed the regeneration processes of their spinal cord.
Their work, published in the journal Science, reveal in particular that a rupture of the spinal cord triggers an unprecedented process in this fish: the cells present on both edges of the injured area fill the void created at the time of the injury of the spinal cord. Nerve cells develop and within eight weeks the fish regains their mobility.
Future treatments to treat paralysis
” It is one of the most remarkable regenerative characteristics in nature. ”, Estimates Kenneth Poss who directed the work. By succeeding in isolating one of the proteins responsible for this wonder, the researchers have taken an immense step. As humans and zebrafish share a large number of genes, this discovery will allow researchers to consider treatment options for people who have suffered spinal cord injuries.
Researchers are already planning to test the effectiveness of this protein in mice, but already the question arises whether this protein alone is able to regenerate the spinal cord. New studies are therefore underway to better understand the functioning of zebrafish.
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