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Chinese scientists have recently managed to restore damaged ear tissues in mice by reactivating an ancient genetic switch, long thought out of mammals. This advance marks an important step in research on tissue regeneration, because it shows how some animals have lost this capacity during evolution. By studying mice and rabbits, the researchers were able to compare the regenerative capacities of the two species. While mice are normally capable of regenerating complex tissues, this study opens up new perspectives for therapies of healing of nerves, lungs and skin in mammals.
The crucial role of retinoic acid
Research highlighted the crucial role of retinoic acid in the regeneration of tissues. Produced by the ALDH1A2 gene, this acid derived from vitamin A regulates cell specialization and plays a central role in the regeneration of tissues. Among rabbits, after an injury, the Aldh1a2 gene is activated in a robust manner, while in mice, its activity is almost nonexistent. The researchers discovered that mice presented a high activity in the genetic paths responsible for the degradation of retinoic acid and a low activity in those responsible for its synthesis.
To verify this hypothesis, scientists injected retinoic acid directly into the injured ears of the mice. Unlike a previous study of 2022, this time, the treatment worked. This is explained by an adapted concentration and length of injection. Going further, the researchers transplanted an ALDH1A2 gene amplifier in mice, thus reactivating the gene and allowing mice to produce their own retinoic acid to completely regenerate the fabric of the ear.
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Release a lost capacity
This discovery suggests the existence of a genetic switch involved in the evolution of regeneration. Retinoic acid already finds many applications in the regeneration of nerves, bones, limbs, lungs and skin. According to BGI-Research, the therapeutic implications go far beyond the mouse ears. Retinoic acid is already approved by the FDA for certain cancers and skin conditions. For surgeons dealing with war injuries or plastic surgeons reconstructing congenital malformations, the prospect of restoring instead of simply repairing represents a change of paradigm in medicine.
However, challenges remain. The addition of retinoic acid can activate the regeneration of the ear, but it is not certain that it is able to regenerate the heart or other organs. Each organ may have lost its regenerative capacities for different evolutionary reasons, a puzzle that the team now strives to solve.
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Potential medical applications
Retinoic acid is already used in medicine to treat certain cancers and dermatological problems. This molecule could represent a major advance for surgeons and doctors, especially in situations of serious injuries or degenerative diseases. The capacity to reactivate a tissue regeneration program could transform the treatment of traumatic injury, congenital malformations and even heart attacks.
The scientific community is encouraged by the possibility of using a simple molecular switch to restore full tissue functions. However, it remains to be determined whether this approach can be generalized to other tissues and organs, and what would be the long -term implications for human health.
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Future research perspectives
The results of this study open up new research on tissue regeneration in mammals. Scientists now seek to understand why certain organs have lost their regenerative capacity during evolution. They also hope to explore how these discoveries could be applied to broader and more effective human treatments.
The regeneration of fabrics remains a complex and fascinating area. Current discoveries highlight the importance of basic research to unlock the potential for regeneration hidden among mammals. What other secrets has it hidden from us, and how could we use them to improve our health and well-being in the future?
The author relied on artificial intelligence to enrich this article.
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