Humans may not be able to regrow amputated limbs like salamanders. But we have the “salamander-like” ability to regrow damage cartilage.
The study, publish in the journal Science Advances, found that “cartilage in human joints can repair itself. Through a process similar to that use by creatures such as salamanders and zebrafish to regenerate limbs”. According to a press release by Duke Health, which help lead the research.
The findings could open the door for new treatments for joint injuries and diseases such as osteoarthritis. It might even lead to the regeneration of human limbs one day.
Regenerative Ability
Salamanders, axolotls, and other animals with regenerative abilities have a type of molecule call microRNA. This helps regulate joint tissue repair. Humans also have microRNA, but the mechanisms for cartilage repair are stronger in some parts of the body. For example, microRNA molecules are more active in our legs, and less active in our hips and hips.
The study found that cartilage “ages” meaning whether a protein has change its structure or undergone an amino acid conversion depends on its location in the body. cartilage is “young” at the bone, “half” at the knee, and “old” at the hip. This correlation goes hand in hand with how fast the animals are at the furthest end of their body, such as the tail or the tips of the feet.
MicroRNA activity levels and bone age explain why leg injuries heal faster than knee and hip injuries. And fewer cases are occurring in each leg compared to the other two areas
Regenerative Abilities in Humans
Scientists have known for years that humans do have some regenerative abilities. When a child’s fingertip is amputated, the tip can regenerate if properly care for. But it is widely believe that this ability is limit. That humans “can’t fight the magic” in their joints. The study says that the new findings refute this.
It has great possibilities for athletes or people with joints. MicroRNAs could be inject into joints or develop into drugs that prevent or treat arthritis, the study said. In the more distant future, it could even “build the foundation for the regeneration of human limbs.”
Development
The next step is to find out what the salamander’s regulator lacks. Then see if it is possible to “add the missing component back”. said Duke Virginia professor Byers Kraus, one of the lead authors of the study.
Once the missing components are identify, they can be combine. With microRNA to make a “molecular cocktail” that aims to regenerate entire limbs, the study said.
“We don’t believe in understanding this salamander-like regenerative capacity in humans. And a critically missing component of this regulating circuitry. It could provide the basis for new approaches to repairing joint and possibly human limb tissue,” Kraus said. Many people who have lost or have no legs or arms will be help. But we also didn’t know those body parts were as strong as they had been before. And also the regeneration process must be expensive. Apart from that, it would be very worthwhile if this could be realize.
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