EMD Millipore eBook - 14

Analyzing Cell Death * Molecule that Destroys Apoptotic Cells also Repairs Damaged Axons

Researchers based at the University of Colorado Boulder used fluorescence
microscopy to study regenerative axonal fusion in C. elegans. The researchers
found that such fusion requires components of the apoptotic pathway and is
mediated by epithelial fusion failure 1 (EFF-1) protein. To determine where
EFF-1 is required, they expressed a green fluorescent protein-tagged version
of this protein in mechanosensory neurons. istock/anyaivanova

| GENengnews.com

somewhat stunning finding," said Dr. Xue. "This is
the first time a molecule involved in apoptosis has
been found to have the ability to repair severed
axons, and we believe it has great therapeutic
potential."
Dr. Xue is the lead author in a paper ("A lysinerich motif in the phosphatidylserine receptor PSR-1
mediates recognition and removal of apoptotic cells")
in Nature Communications that details how PSR-1
Professor Ding Xue
with the Molecular,
recognizes and removes apoptotic cells. He also is
Cellular, &
co-author of the companion paper ("EFF-1-mediated
Developmental
regenerative axonal fusion requires components of
Biology Department
the apoptotic pathway") in Nature led by Massimo
at the University of
Hilliard, Ph.D., of the UQ's Queensland Brain
Colorado Boulder.
Institute that shows the major role played by PSR-1
Photo by Casey A. Cass/
University of Colorado
in the regeneration of nerve axons. Both studies
were carried out on the C. elegans model organism.
"This will open new avenues to try and exploit this knowledge in other
systems closer to human physiology and hopefully move toward solving
injuries," said Dr. Hilliard. In the future, neurosurgery may be combined
with molecular biology to deliver positive clinical outcomes and perhaps
treat conditions like spinal cord or nerve injuries, he said.

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