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Researchers at Cambridge developed laboratory-grown brain and spinal cord organoids capable of transmitting signals and inducing muscle contractions. Through these models, they discovered that human neurons progressively lose their regenerative capacity during development, but identified the gene network controlling this process. An existing hormone-based drug was found to significantly enhance nerve fiber regrowth when tested in these systems.
Why it matters
This research provides insight into why adult nerve damage is difficult to repair and offers a potential therapeutic pathway using an already-approved drug. The findings could lead to new treatments for spinal cord injuries, stroke, and neurodegenerative conditions where nerve regeneration is currently limited.
Cambridge researchers created miniature brain-and-spinal-cord systems in the lab that can send signals and even trigger tiny muscle contractions. They discovered that human neurons gradually lose their ability to regrow after damage during development — but that ability can potentially be switched back on. The team identified a gene network controlling this process and found that an existing hormone drug dramatically boosted nerve fiber regrowth.
Source: Human organoids reveal how to reverse “irreversible” nerve damage