8436
0
Posted on Jun 15, 2008, 8 p.m.
By Jeanelle Topping
Research into healing damaged muscle tissue in mice has had positive implications for finding a cure for degenerative diseases, according to new research.
Research into healing damaged muscle tissue in mice has had positive implications for finding a cure for degenerative diseases, according to new research.
Scientists at the University of Berkeley have discovered how to rejuvenate ageing tissue in mice by activating the Notch receptor with a protein called TGF-beta.
"We are one step closer to having a point of intervention where we can rejuvenate the body's own stem cells so we don't have to suffer from some of the debilitating diseases associated with aging," said the study's lead author, Morgan Carlson.
When injected with the TGF-beta protein, old mice displayed cellular regeneration which was similar to younger mice but scientists insist more research needs to be done.
"We need to find out what the levels of these chemicals are in the young so we can calibrate the system when we're older. If we can do that, we could rejuvenate tissue repair for a very long time," said Irina Conboy, an assistant professor of bioengineering.
Carried out at the Berkeley Stem Cell Center, the research was supported by the National Institutes of Health and The Ellison Medical Foundation.
