Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published : June 22, 2014 3:19 PM IST
The Financial Express reported a breakthrough research study that could help scientists to figure out how human organs can be regenerated. For the first time in history researchers have identified a key molecular pathway in salamanders that helps in the regrowth of their limbs. Scientists have found that the 'ERK pathway' in salamanders must be continuously active for the cells to be reprogrammed and thus, contributes to the regeneration of different organs of the body. (Read: Nail growth may hold key to limb regeneration)
The research team has found a vital difference between the functioning of this ERK pathway in mammals and salamanders. And, this may act as a powerful evidence to understand why humans are unable to regrow their limbs along with shedding light on how to improve the regeneration of the human cells.
The study has demonstrated that the regeneration pathway in mammalian cells is not fully active. But when it is forced to remain active constantly, it gives the mammalian cells more potential to reprogram and regenerate. This research may help scientists to better understand various diseases and designing new treatments or therapies for humans. (Read: Nerve cells' repair work brings hope of spinal injury healing)
Dr Max Yun, the lead researcher from the University College London (UCL) Institute of Structural & Molecular Biology said, ' Humans have limited ability to regenerate their organs but other organisms like the salamanders are very capable to reprogram and regenerate an exciting collection of complex body structures including their eyes, tails, spinal cord, heart, etc. Also, these are the only adult vertebrates that are capable to regenerate entire limbs.'
He also said, ' We all are very excited to found an important molecular pathway, the ERK pathway that decides whether an adult cell can be reprogrammed and thus, can aid the process of regeneration. By manipulating this molecular pathway and regeneration mechanism could help in discovering new therapies aimed at improving the regeneration potential of the human cells.' (Read: Mind-controlled limbs could give amputees sense of touch)
The EMP pathway can act as a new pathway through which the surface cell proteins can communicate a signal that contains the genetic information of the cell. Further research in this arena will help in better understanding of the pathway and also the significance of this pathway in regulation of limb regeneration. It ca also help in knowing about the other important molecules that play a vital role in this process of regeneration. The study was published in the journal Stem Cell Reports.
For more articles on diseases & conditions , visit our diseases & conditions section. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And to join discussions on health topics of your choice, visit our forum.
