Nature discovers new processes in regenerative medicine

Physical damage, thinning or tearing of tissues, loss of function of organs, biological function of cell loss, and a series of problems caused by trauma can lead to disease or disability, which seems to be the fate of our human beings.

Regenerative medicine is a discipline that combines a variety of science and technology. Its ultimate goal is to repair physical damage, thereby restoring the original function of the tissue or organ. It was traceable to ancient times, but it was not until recently that it showed its charm, such as 3D printing to build tissues or organs.

The central nervous system has long been considered almost impossible to repair itself, so scientists hope to use stem cell technology to repair sports disability caused by spinal cord injury. In addition, the use of cells to treat chronic diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, has also made encouraging progress.

Researchers in regenerative medicine are also trying to gain some clues from the animal world, such as cockroaches with four-legged regenerative capacity, to study and analyze the cytological mechanisms behind their ability to regenerate, and to advance the development of human limb regeneration research. In fact, some scientists argue that in addition to the above, researchers need to rely on the biomimetic system of nature.

A series of advances have also brought a bunch of questions, such as how to manage such treatments. Stem cell therapy for malignant diseases has emerged clinically. However, the effect of such treatment is still unclear. Therefore, policy makers are required to formulate reasonable and compliant laws and regulations as soon as possible to safeguard the rights and interests of patients and promote the healthy development of cell therapy. .

original:

1. Regenerative medicine, Herb Brody, Nature 540, S49 (08 December 2016) doi:10.1038/540S49a

2, Timeline: Regrowing the body, Cassandra Willyard, Nature 540, S50–S51 (08 December 2016) doi:10.1038/540S50a

Attachment: History of the development of regenerative medicine

Scientists have been obsessed with regenerative phenomena in nature for centuries. However, after lengthy research, attempts to repair or regenerate human tissues or organs have been difficult. Therefore, the use of cutting-edge technology to re-examine the ancient proposition of organ formation may provide new useful clues.

~ 600 BC

Indian surgeon Suruta began experimenting with skin grafting