Genetic Basis for Nerve Regeneration After Injuries Revealed

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Florida, Florida, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) December 1, 2011 -- After two years of research, scientists have discovered 70 genes that promote the growth of axons after brain injuries and play a key role in recovery.

October 2011, Florida—Recently, scientists at the University of California, San Diego, have identified 76 genes that play a key role in regenerating axons after brain and spinal injuries, a key part of brain injury rehabilitation Axons are the threadlike parts of nerve cells responsible for sending electrical transmissions to other nerve cells; axon damage can cause serious health problems. Seventy of these genes promote the re-growth of axons after injury, while six of them inhibit their regeneration. Many of the genes are involved in other brain functions, such as regulating the release of neurotransmitters, which surprised scientists.

Scientists conducted research on 10,000 tiny laboratory roundworms. Genetic mutations of the roundworms were developed for each of 654 genes thought to play a role in the regeneration of axons. They labeled the neurons with a green fluorescent protein and damaged exactly one axon with a precision surgical laser. Because roundworms are transparent, they could see the axons expressing the green fluorescent protein. It is thought that these 76 genes were “conserved” by evolution and are similar in animals as different as roundworms, fruit flies and humans; however, further study will be needed to confirm this.

It is hoped that understanding the biological reasons behind brain regeneration will eventually allow for groundbreaking methods for brain injury rehabilitation. Scientists believe that this research may lead to new treatments for spinal cord injuries, strokes and other neural injuries. Particularly interesting are the six genes that inhibit regeneration. Through eliminating factors that prevent the natural regeneration of the brain, it may be possible to easily promote axon re-growth and cure health problems that are at the moment incurable. However, survivors of brain injuries do not have to wait for new technological advances. At this moment, many treatments are available for people with brain injuries. The Florida Institute for Neurologic Rehabilitation encourages people living with brain injuries to seek brain injury rehabilitation at their nearest brain injury clinic in Florida, the Florida Institute for Neurological Rehabilitation provides the best treatment available for people with brain injuries.
The Florida Institute for Neurologic Rehabilitation offers clinically sound, high-quality, cost-effective support for those living with brain injuries. All programs are staffed by professionals, often multilingual, trained in relevant therapeutic disciplines, who work in cohesive teams. They also offer family support services.

The Florida Institute for Neurologic Rehabilitation
800-697-5390
www.finr.net