The inhibition of the growth of new nerve fibers in adult mammals can be slowed by turning off the activity or expression of an enzyme called PTEN in damaged nerve cells, argue US scientists in the journal Nature Neuroscience. Their discovery has the potential to contribute to the development of a method of treating spinal cord injuries.
Zhigang He and colleagues from Harvard Medical School in Boston studied regeneration processes after spinal cord injury in mice. Scientists have found that the activity of the enzyme that promotes the growth of new fibers, the so-called mTOR is very low in damaged neurons of the cortical-spinal tract.
Next, the researchers decided to increase mTOR activity thanks to the genetic blockade of the enzyme regulating its level – PTEN. This simple procedure has been found to increase the regeneration and growth of nerve fibers and the ability of these fibers to make connections with nerve cells below the site of the spinal cord injury.
As part of their project, scientists have not only checked whether these connections are functional and whether they translate into improved mobility of animals, and whether a similar method could be used in humans.
Nevertheless, their work suggests that drugs that reduce mTOR activity in the adult nervous system should prove helpful in treating spinal cord injuries. (PAP)