A Mouse Paralyzed in the Spine Started Walking After a Single Injection [Reading Science]

Northwestern University Develops 'Nanofiber' Treatment
Injected into Paralyzed Mice, Walked After 4 Weeks
Effectiveness Proven in Human Cell Experiments
Attention on Future Development as a Full-Scale Human Spinal Cord Injury Therapy

Photo by Northwestern University, USA

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] A research team in the United States injected 'nanofibers' into paralyzed mice with spinal cord injuries, enabling them to walk within a month. They succeeded in making cell molecules 'dance' to promote regeneration, and with clinical trials on humans set to begin soon, this development is drawing attention as a potential hope for those suffering from spinal cord paralysis due to accidents or diseases.

According to Northwestern University on the 26th, Professor Samuel Stub's research team at the university developed a new injection therapy using 'dancing molecules' to relieve paralysis and repair tissue after severe spinal cord injury. The team injected the area around the spinal cord of paralyzed mice, and remarkably, after four weeks, the mice were able to walk again. The research results were published in the international journal Science on the 12th of this month.

The injection solution developed by the research team is a nanofiber that mimics the extracellular matrix of the spinal cord. When injected into the spinal cord, it immediately gels and sends bioactive signals to promote cell repair and regeneration. It regulates the movement of molecules to continuously find and appropriately bind to moving cell receptors, aiding regeneration. Additionally, it biodegrades 12 weeks after injection and is absorbed as nutrients by the body, so there are no side effects.

Professor Stub explained, "Neuron receptors and other cells are constantly moving," adding, "The core of this research is coordinating the movement of over 100,000 molecules within the nanofiber, making the molecules dance or even temporarily leap to connect more effectively with receptors."

The research results have also already confirmed the possibility of successful application in humans. The team conducted in vitro tests using human cells, confirming increased bioactivity and cell signaling induced by the nanofibers.

Professor Stub stated, "Developing treatments to protect individuals disabled by severe trauma or disease has remained a challenging task for scientists for decades," and added, "We will begin the process of obtaining approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to use this new therapy for spinal cord injury patients who currently have no other options."