A recent study helps us understand how the brain reacts to injuries.
Scientists found that a protein called Snail is crucial in organizing how brain cells respond after an injury.
Let's find out more about this amazing protein and how it works.
An amazing discovery
The newest experiment shows that when the central nervous system (CNS) is injured, a group of cells starts making Snail.
This protein, Snail, seems to be important for the repair process.
The scientists found that changing how much Snail is made can affect whether the injury heals well or causes more harm.
How it was discovered
The study discovered a specific group of microglial-like cells in the CNS that produce Snail.
When Snail production is lowered after an injury, it leads to more inflammation and cell death, making the injury worse.
On the other hand, increasing Snail levels improves the outcome of brain injuries, suggesting that this magical protein can help limit injury-induced damage.
The researchers wonder if an experimental drug affecting Snail production could be used to reduce damage after a stroke or injury.
More research is needed to confirm if boosting Snail production can help heal the brain.
Why it's important
The team of scientists plans to research how Snail is regulated in diseases like multiple sclerosis, which damages the protective layer around nerve fibers.
If drugs targeting Snail can stop this damage, it could ease future symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
However, it will take several years of research before new drugs targeting Snail can be tested in clinical trials.
The potential benefits could include faster healing for stroke damage, head injuries, and neurodegenerative diseases like dementia.
Previously, we've already talked about signs of ADHD in adults.
