Study may advance genetic therapies for blindness and other injuries to the central nervous system
October 5, 2020
David Hyde, Ph.D., in his laboratory. Image credit: Matt Cashore/University of Notre Dame
A team of researchers from the University of Notre Dame, Johns Hopkins University, Ohio State University and the University of Florida has identified networks of genes that regulate the process responsible for determining whether neurons will regenerate in certain animals, such as zebrafish.
By comparing gene pathways in certain animal - birds, fish, and mice - the researchers discovered gene pathways that support a natural ability to regenerate eye neurons. The study also found that these gene pathways are present in mammals, but turned off.
Video credit: Johns Hopkins University