Scientists Make Major Breakthrough In Regenerative Medicine:Sea Squirt

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Sea Squirt, Heal Thyself: Scientists Make Major Breakthrough In

Regenerative Medicine

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070424093740.htm

Findings described in a new study by Stanford scientists may be the

first step toward a major revolution in human regenerative medicine--

a future where advanced organ damage can be repaired by the body

itself. In the May 2007 issue of The FASEB Journal, researchers show

that a human evolutionary ancestor, the sea squirt, can correct

abnormalities over a series of generations, suggesting that a

similar regenerative process might be possible in people.

" We hope the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon will ultimately

lead to new insights regarding the potential of cells and tissues to

be reprogrammed and regenerate compromised organs in humans, " said

Ayelet Voskoboynik, Ph.D., of Stanford University and first author

of the study.

Missing limbs, scarred hearts, broken spines, and wounded muscles

always try to repair themselves, but often the result is invalidism

or disease. Even some tumors try to revert to normal, but are

unsuccessful. If the genetic sequence described in the sea squirt

applies to humans, this study represents a major step for

regenerative medicine.

The sea squirt is more closely related to humans than many would

expect. It may appear similar to a sea sponge, worm, or plant, but

it is actually not closely related to any of these organisms. Sea

squirt larvae have primitive spinal cords, distinguishing them in

the greater chain of life and on the evolutionary ladder.

Specifically, sea squirts, like humans, belong to a group of animals

called chordates (organisms with some level of spinal cord

development), and many scientists believe that sea squirts

approximate what the very first human chordate ancestor may have

been like 550 million years ago.

By studying this modern day representative of our evolutionary

ancestor, researchers are able to identify fundamental principles of

complex processes, such as healing and organ regeneration, on which

new treatments are based.

" The aim of biomedical science is to understand life so we can

defend our bodies against injury, deformity, and disease. The

ultimate medical treatment would be to change an abnormal organ or

tissue back to its vibrant, normal state, " said Gerald Weissmann,

M.D., Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal. " This study is a

landmark in regenerative medicine; the Stanford group has

accomplished the biological equivalent of turning a sow's ear into a

silk purse and back again. "

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by

Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.