Scientists force paraplegic mice to walk again

German researchers achieved this Mice are paralyzed into walking again after spinal cord injuries, Thus re-establishing the neural link that had hitherto been considered irreparable in mammals through the use of a designer protein that was injected into the brain.

The article was published in the magazine Nature Communications Where has been described The designer cytokine activates the molecular mechanisms It relies on it more efficiently than the natural molecule.

Spinal cord injuries in humans, which often occur due to sports or traffic accidents, leave them Paralyzed because not all of the nerve fibers that carry information between the muscle and the brain can grow again.

But the Researchers at Ruhr University in Bochum have successfully stimulated neurons in paralyzed miceThey are replenished with designer protein.

“The unique thing about our study is that the protein is not only used to stimulate the neurons that produce them, but it is also transported (through the brain).”

“The team manager, Dietmar Fisher, said in an interview with Reuters.”

That way, with a relatively small intervention, We stimulate a large number of nerves to regenerate, which is ultimately why mice can walk again. ”Dietmar noted.

The paralyzed ferrets that received the treatment began walking after two to three weeks, the researcher said.

Treatment or treatment

Treatment includes Injecting vectors into the brain to make a protein, Called hyper-interleukin-6, according to the university’s website.

The team is investigating the possibility of improving treatment.

“We also have to see whether Our method works In large mammals. We were thinking of Pigs, dogs or primatesFor example, “Fisher said.

So if it works there, we will have to make sure the treatment is safe for humans as well. But this will definitely take many years. “