New Biomarker Could Predict Neuron Regeneration Potential, Leading to New Treatments for Neurological Disorders
healthcare
A new biomarker that can predict whether or not neurons will regenerate after an injury has been identified by researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine. The discovery, published in the journal Neuron, could lead to new treatments for a variety of neurological disorders, including spinal cord injury, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease.
The biomarker, which the researchers have named the Regeneration Classifier, is a molecular fingerprint of regenerating neurons. It was identified using single-cell RNA sequencing, a technique that allows scientists to measure the activity of thousands of genes in individual cells.
The researchers tested the Regeneration Classifier on a variety of neurons from different parts of the nervous system and at different developmental stages. They found that the biomarker was consistently reliable in predicting whether or not neurons would regenerate.
“It’s like a molecular fingerprint for regenerating neurons,” said study senior author Guo-li Ming, MD, PhD, professor of neurobiology at UC San Diego School of Medicine.
The researchers also found that the Regeneration Classifier could be used to identify neurons that are at risk of degenerating. This information could be used to develop new drugs or therapies to protect these neurons and prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
“This discovery has the potential to revolutionize the way we treat neurological disorders,” Ming said. “By being able to predict which neurons will regenerate and which are at risk of degeneration, we can develop more targeted and effective therapies.”
What does this mean for people
The discovery of the Regeneration Classifier is a promising step towards new treatments for a variety of neurological disorders. In the USA, these disorders affect millions of people and can cause significant disability and death.
For example, spinal cord injury affects about 282,900 people in the USA. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the USA and is a major cause of disability. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the USA and is the leading cause of dementia.
If the Regeneration Classifier can be developed into a reliable diagnostic tool, it could help doctors to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from certain treatments. This could improve the outcomes for patients with neurological disorders and give them new hope for a better future.
