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Source: The post is based on the article “Protein found in Zebrafish can regenerate aged discs in human vertebrae” published in the PIB on 7th January 2023.
What is the News?
A protein found in the backbone of zebrafish can play a positive role in disc maintenance and promotes regeneration in aged discs between vertebrae.
About discs degeneration in humans
In humans, discs degenerate naturally, leading to many related health concerns. This includes low back, neck, and appendage pain.
Treatments: Currently, only symptomatic treatments for disc degeneration are available, including pain relievers or anti-inflammatories. In severe cases, disc replacement or disc fusion surgery is performed.
Drawbacks at present: a) There is only limited information available about the cellular and molecular processes playing a role in the maintenance of the discs, b) No medical procedures or treatments have been known to suppress disc degeneration or induce disc regeneration.
Hence, there is a need to develop a treatment either to suppress disc degeneration or to promote disc regeneration in humans.
About the new protein Cellular communication network factor 2a (Ccn2a)
Scientists have discovered a new protein called Cellular communication network factor 2a (Ccn2a). The study was conducted Zebrafish as a model organism is the first. This protein induces disc regeneration in aged degenerated discs.
It will do that by promoting cell proliferation and cell survival by modulating the pathway called the FGFR1-SHH (Fibroblast growth factor receptor-Sonic Hedgehog) pathway.
The scientists also found that the Ccn2a-FGFR1-SHH signaling cascade which takes a positive role in disc maintenance and augmenting disc regeneration.
| Must read: Synapses: NCBS: Zebrafish study reveals how the brain makes its connections |
