Scientists at Duke University have been studying genes that
enable tissue regeneration in several fish and reptiles with the hopes that one
day humans will possess the same ability. In their endeavors, the scientists
have identified regulatory sequences that they call 'tissue regeneration
enhancer elements' or TREEs, which can turn on genes in injury sites. Once the
genes are turned on, the healing of damaged tissue and even regrowth of missing
limbs begins to occur.
Collaborator Brian L. Black, PhD, of the University of
California, San Francisco attached one TREE to a gene called lacZ (found in the
genome of zebrafish) and was able to activate gene expression in the injured
paws and hearts of transgenic mice.
This of course can be considered a significant breakthrough
because this means that one day it may be possible to repair and regrow damaged
or missing body parts in mammals, even humans.
I have read about several similar studies to this in the
past and find it very exciting to consider all the possible medical advances
that can be made if studies like this can continue to make significant
discoveries. Tissue and limb regeneration in humans is an intriguing concept to
think about but studies such as this one put into perspective just how possible
it really is.
To be honest though, when I read this article I couldn’t
help but to think of Marvel’s own Dr. Curtis Connors (The Amazing Spiderman).
Dr. Connors in the comics/movie also studied tissue regeneration in reptiles and
well, when he tested the gene on himself he turned into a giant lizard-man…
That's pretty cool, I always wondered how reptiles did that. Studies like this really make me wonder how far technology will go within the next decade or two. What crazy things will scientists think of for the better of mankind? I'm glad someone somehow thought of manipulating reptile genes with the hope that one day we can save human limbs.
ReplyDelete