The regeneration of damaged nerves will help retinoblastoma protein
A way has been found to enhance the growth of injured nerves
NanoNewsNet based on HBI materials: Scientists discover a new way to enhance nerve growth following injuryScientists from the Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI)
The University of Calgary has revealed the mechanism of stimulating the growth of damaged neuron processes and confirmed the possibility of its use as a means to restore nerve connections after injury. Dr. Doug Zochodne and his team have found a key molecule that directly regulates the growth of neurons in the damaged nervous system. Article by Christie et al. Enhancing adult nerve regeneration through the knockdown of retinoblastoma protein is published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications.
"We made an amazing discovery: the retinoblastoma protein (Rb) is present in adult neurons," says Professor of the Department of Clinical Neurology Zohodne. "Apparently, this protein normally works as a brake, preventing the growth of nerves. We have shown that by inactivating Rb it is possible to remove this brake and make the nerves grow much faster."
The retinoblastoma (Rb) gene encodes a protein that, by changing the activity of transcription factors, is able to indirectly control gene expression. Ultimately, Rb and related proteins are involved in controlling the process of cell division. The Rb gene mutates in many types of cancer. The most studied of them is retinoblastoma– an eye cancer that gave the name to this gene – VM.
Dr. Zohodne and his colleagues decided to look for Rb in neurons, as they knew about its role in regulating cell growth in other parts of the body.
"We know that cancer is characterized by excessive cell growth, and we also know that Rb function is often impaired in cancer," the scientist continues. "Therefore, if cancer is able to remove this brake and enhance cell growth, we decided that it is worth trying to mimic this action in nerve cells and stimulate growth where it is needed."
Having suppressed Rb for a short time, the researchers did not observe any negative consequences, which makes it possible to hope that someday this method can be used as a safe treatment for patients with nerve damage. At the moment, scientists are conducting experiments on cells in vitro and on mice, but they plan to switch to clinical research in the near future.
Adult neurons before (left) and after the suppression of the Rb protein by short interfering RNA (siRNA).
After Rb suppression, neurons demonstrate increased axon growth.
(Photo: Bhagat Singh)
So far, Dr. Zohodne is studying his method only on the peripheral nervous system. Peripheral nerve damage can be incredibly severe, and patients experience pain, tingling, numbness, or difficulty coordinating arm or leg movements.
It is worth noting that diabetic neuropathy is more common than multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis combined. More than half of all diabetic patients experience nervous pains, and currently doctors do not have the means to help such patients – to reverse the development of the disease or at least stop it.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru25.04.2014