Scientists at the University of Zurich say the adult brain may be better at repairing itself after injury or certain autoimmune diseases than previously thought, according to ScienceDaily.
In experiments with mice, the research team found a special group of support cells called astrocytes that gather near damaged areas and help rebuild lost tissue. Rather than sending full new cells into the injury site right away, these cells first move newly formed nuclei into the affected region.
Astrocytes are glial cells that help nourish nerve cells, regulate blood flow, and support healthy brain function. Researchers had long believed that once these cells were destroyed, the adult brain could not fully replace them.
The study, led by Bruno Weber with co-lead authors Marina Herwerth and Matthias Wyss, used two-photon microscopy to watch living mice over several weeks. The team also tracked gene activity in the brain and identified genes and signaling pathways that become active during the repair process.
According to the researchers, the findings point to possible future ways to encourage brain repair after disease or injury, though more study would be needed before any treatment approach could be developed.
