Molecule 'could be key to treating ischemic brain injury'RSS Feed

The identification of a molecule that is a critical regulator of neuron survival following ischemic brain injury could lead to new therapies for brain conditions.

Researchers from the Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan investigated neuronal death after ischemic brain injury - an interruption in the supply of oxygen and glucose.

The effects of ischemic brain injury are complex and not well understood but the new findings, published in journal Neuron, could be key to improving this.

It was found that salt-inducible kinase 2 (SIK2) was expressed in neurons at high levels but reduced after ischemic injury.

"These findings also raise new opportunities for the development of novel therapeutics," added senior study author, Dr Kazuo Kitagawa.

Meanwhile, researchers at the University of Texas are to examine the use of umbilical cord blood stem cells in the treatment of traumatic brain injury in children after the investigation was approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

News brought to you by Serious Law specialists in brain injury

Posted by Paul Breen
 

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