MicroRNAs help zebrafish regenerate fins
Date: 19.3.2008
Biologists have discovered a molecular circuit breaker that controls a zebrafish's remarkable ability to regrow missing fins, according to a new study from Duke University Medical Center. Understanding how zebrafish repair themselves could lead to new treatments for human conditions caused by damaged tissue, such as heart failure, diabetes and spinal cord injuries.
#img_935#.> *Zebrafish*
In zebrafish, one or more **microRNAs** appear to be important to keep regeneration on hold until the fish needs new tissue, the Duke researchers say. In response to an injury, the fish then damp down levels of these microRNAs to aid regrowth. The team discovered that the ability of zebrafish to replace amputated fins is particularly sensitive to levels of a particular microRNA called **miR-133**.
The results appear in the March 15, 2008 issue of the journal "Genes & Development":[ http://www.genesdev.org/]. "Our work shows **microRNAs** appear to have an important role in regenerating complex tissues. Further studies could help us discover potential ways to stimulate this ability in mammals," researchers said.
Source: "http://www.dukemednews.duke.edu":[ http://www.dukemednews.duke.edu/news/]
