London: Thanks to a tiny fish, scientists
have moved a step closer to unlocking the secrets of body part
regeneration,a power possessed by some animals and not humans.
For example, flatworm Planaria can be cut into as
many as 32 pieces but each of which will grow into a whole new
animal complete with eyes, mouth and organs. Researchers are
aware regeneration involves mechanisms found in developing
embryos, but are still not clear about what they are.
Now, an international team has carried out a study on
zebrafish and identified a key cellular pathway which appears
to trigger regeneration by switching on certain genes, 'The
Daily Telegraph' reported.
According to the scientists, the ability to grow back
a perfectly formed duplicate organ or limb to replace one lost
through injury or disease is the "Holy Grail" of regenerative
medicine.
Bureau Report
First Published: Wednesday, November 04, 2009, 21:34