Researchers discover how rare cell type controls scar tissue formation in spinal cord injuries

David Julius, PhD, senior author of the new paper, professor and chair of physiology at UCSF, and winner of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology or MedicineBy illuminating the basic signaling biology behind spinal cord scarring, these findings raise the possibility of one day being able to pharmacologically fine-tune the extent of that scarring."

An opioid that modulates scarring

The researchers tried delivering extra κ-opioids to the mice, and the scarring was reduced; but the spinal cord injuries were more severe, and the mice did not recover their motor coordination as well.

Importantly, κ-opioids are different from commercial opioid drugs such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, and generally not addictive.

"We were not looking for a way to control spinal cord healing," he said. "This came out of asking questions about this mysterious cell type, and then running into a mechanism that is both biologically interesting and could eventually have some therapeutic potential."

Source:

UC San Francisco