Scientists Activate Genetic Switch, Triggering Mammalian Tissue Regeneration
Researchers have achieved a remarkable breakthrough in regenerative medicine. They’ve identified a specific genetic mechanism that can restore healing capabilities in mammals. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize how we treat injuries and organ damage.
Unlocking Regeneration
According to a study published in the journal Science, scientists found a way to flip an evolutionarily inactive genetic switch. This switch is involved in Vitamin A metabolism and triggered ear tissue regeneration in rodents. This work could lead to new treatments.
Unlike certain animals like salamanders, mammals possess a limited capacity for complete tissue or organ regeneration. The ear pinna offers a suitable model for studying how regenerative abilities have developed in various mammal species.
Scientists have achieved a major breakthrough in regenerative medicine by identifying a genetic switch that can restore healing abilities in mammals, a discovery that could revolutionize treatments for organ damage and traumatic injuries. https://t.co/aBcD123def
— World Today News (@WorldTodayNews) September 29, 2023
“Understanding what has occurred during animal evolution to drive the loss or gain of regeneration will shed new light on regenerative medicine,”
—Wang Wei, Study Lead
The study showed that non-regenerative mammalian species fail to sufficiently activate the gene Aldh1a2 after injury. This is a critical deficiency that hinders their regenerative capabilities compared to species with natural tissue repair. Every year, approximately 1.3 million Americans experience traumatic brain injuries (CDC 2024).
Mechanism of Action
Scientists from the National Institute of Biological Sciences, BGI Research, and Northwest A&F University discovered that a low expression of this gene resulted in the insufficient production of retinoic acid (RA). Activating the gene or providing RA using a gene enhancer from rabbits was enough to restore regenerative capacity in mice and rats.
RA signaling is thought to be widely involved in various regeneration contexts. These include bone, limb, skin, nerve, and lung regeneration. The implications of this finding are vast, opening new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
The research identified a specific target involved in the evolution of regeneration and provided a framework for dissecting the failure of regeneration in other organs or species. This could potentially be a strategy for promoting regeneration in non-regenerative organs.
This study offers a crucial step toward developing regenerative therapies. Further research may lead to new treatments for injuries and diseases that currently lack effective regenerative solutions.
