Scientists find method of boosting growth in nerve fibres damaged by spinal cord injuriesRSS Feed

Deleting a suppressor of inflammatory signalling results in the growth of nerve fibres, which are commonly damaged during brain and spinal cord injuries, according to a new study.

The research, published in the science journal Neuron, also found that the deletion of this suppressor (SOCS3) also results in the re-activation of a growth pathway known as the mTOR pathway.

An increase in the growth factor ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) was noted in the mouse model shortly after injury. When this CNTF was applied to the animals the researchers found that nerve fibres, or axons, grew more than they did with just SOCS3 deletion alone.

"CNTF and other cytokines [cellular signalling molecules] have been tested for promoting axon regeneration previously, but with no success," notes Zhigang He, lead researcher in the study.

"Now we know that this is due to the tight negative control of SOCS3. Inhibiting SOCS3, using small molecule compounds or RNA interference, might allow these cytokine growth factors to be functional," he added.

Last week researchers in the UK discovered a new class of neuron that could also lead to further treatments for spinal injury.

These researchers described the new neuron as a "volume dial", which can control the strength of muscle contractions in walking.

Serious law, leading spinal cord injury solicitors.

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