Injured Brain Cells May Regrow New Connections
A new study suggests that after adult brain cells are injured, they return to an embryonic state. These new findings were recently published by a research group at UC San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine in time for the April 15, 2020 issue of Nature. In their newfound immature state, these cells are able to regrow new connections, which, under precise conditions, can aid in restoring lost functions.
Study Outcomes
Debatably one of the most daunting tasks in medical science is the quest to figure out how damage to both the spinal cord and brain can repair itself. The recent study gives researchers a “transcriptional roadmap” of the regenerative function of cell reparation in the adult brain. Senior author Mark Tuszynski, a neuroscience professor and director of the Translational Neuroscience Institute of UCSD School of Medicine, states that their study used mice to study brain cell regeneration. After a brain cell reverts to an embryonic cortical neuron, it can regrow axons provided that the right environmental conditions are present, according to Tuszynski. Tuszynski and his colleagues’ work is driven by the idea that there are numerous brain regions involved in the active reparation and replacement of damaged cells. Their findings further push the idea that brains are mutable, terminally interconnected, and variable.
Huntingtin Gene Involvement
Part of this recent study involved determining what conditions should be present to help restore functionality. Tuszynski and his colleagues examined the literature on the response of damaged neurons post-spinal cord injury. In the last few years, researchers have been looking into the possibility of grafted neural stem cells, which could prompt neurons to extend axons through and across an injury site to reconnect severed nerves. The UCSD team of researchers discovered an essential genetic pathway that supports neuronal repair and growth, and this pathway involves the gene Huntingtin (HTT). HTT is the single gene that, when mutated, causes Huntington’s disease. Out of a pool of mice with spinal cord injuries, it was the mice that were genetically engineered to not display the HTT gene that showed lower rates of neuronal regeneration and sprouting. The results of this study emphasize the importance of Huntingtin in the promotion of brain neuron reparation, according to Tuszynski.
Seeking Help from a Reliable Brain Injury Lawyer
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to extended stays at the hospital and increasing medical bills, which can place increased stress on you and your loved ones. It can be daunting and overwhelming to figure out how to keep up with the costs required to meet your needs. However, finances should never prevent someone from reaching a full recovery. In many situations involving a TBI, the injured party can be reimbursed for their medical expenses by filing a personal injury claim.
A personal injury claim can not only potentially pay for hospital stays, but also lost wages, household services, and more. To learn more details about how these claims work, contact a seasoned Roseville brain injury lawyer. A lawyer that has extensively worked on claims like yours can explain the options that are available to your specific situation. To learn some more about personal injury claims, watch the short video below:
Roseville Brain Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a brain injury attorney in Roseville. If you or a family member has suffered from a TBI, call me for my free and friendly legal advice. I can be reached locally at (916) 921-6400. If you are from outside the 916 area, dial my toll-free number (800) 404-5400.
For almost four decades, I have been working with Roseville families to help them obtain their rightful compensation for their traumatic injury and wrongful death claims. Look over my online list of past settlements and verdicts to see what former clients have received. Some of these clients have left online reviews and ratings on the sites below:
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