UZH Researchers Discover a Self-Healing Mechanism in the Brain

(CONNECT) Researchers at the University of Zurich have made a discovery that offers new avenues for the targeted regeneration of damaged brain tissue. For the first time, they were able to observe how the cell nuclei of adult brain cells—specifically those of a particular type of astrocyte—organise their own regeneration. However, according to a press release from the university, these cells do not merely divide; they “send” their cell nuclei to assist wherever they are needed: “The newly formed cell nuclei of the daughter cells travel long distances to repopulate the damaged region of the brain and reconnect the astrocyte network,” team leader Bruno Weber is quoted as saying.

The star-shaped support and supply cells are essential for the proper functioning of neurons. They supply the nerve cells with nutrients, help regulate blood flow, and keep the brain tissue healthy. For a long time, it was believed that the adult brain could not fully replace lost astrocytes. Now, this assumption has been refuted by a new study by the two co-first authors, Marina Herwerth and Matthias Wyss, from the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology at UZH.

If the mechanisms that have now been discovered can be selectively activated, this could help restore astrocyte networks, thereby improving the repair of damaged brain tissue and enhancing recovery from certain brain disorders. “We were able to identify numerous genes and signaling pathways that are temporarily activated during repair,” Weber emphasises. "In the future, they could serve as starting points for influencing these regenerative processes in the context of disease." ce/mm