Inflammation induces zebrafish regeneration

Neural Regeneration Research, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.306059 · Published: September 1, 2021

Immunology Neurology Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

Zebrafish possess an extraordinary regeneration ability, which restores the normal function of a broad spectrum of tissues including heart, fin, brain, spinal cord, and retina. In recent years, evidence has suggested that the innate immune system can modulate stem cell activity to initiate the regenerative response to damage. Understanding how inflammation regulates regeneration in zebrafish would provide important clues to improve the therapeutic strategies for repairing injured mammalian tissues that do not have an inherent regenerative capacity.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Zebrafish

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
An acute and transient inflammation response is necessary to induce stem cell proliferation.
2
Depending on the tissue and injury, a different requirement of innate immune cell types exist.
3
The current interpretation is that an acute and transient inflammation response is necessary to induce stem cell proliferation

Research Summary

Tissue or organ regeneration is a complex process with successful outcomes depending on the type of tissue and organism. Recent discoveries on the innate immune system ability to modulate stem cells functions opened new research avenues on regenerative medicine. Identifying the inflammatory molecular signals which regulate stem cell functions in zebrafish would improve the therapeutic strategies for repairing an injured mammalian tissue.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Strategies

Understanding the role of inflammation in zebrafish regeneration can lead to new therapeutic strategies for repairing injured mammalian tissues.

Stem Cell Modulation

The innate immune system's ability to modulate stem cell activity can be harnessed to initiate regenerative responses to damage.

Drug Development

Identification of inflammatory molecular signals in zebrafish can guide the development of drugs that promote tissue repair in mammals.

Study Limitations

1
The link between innate and adaptive immune system roles during regeneration needs further research.
2
Specific molecular mechanisms of immune cell regulation of tissue regeneration remain unclear.
3
Tissue-specific differences in inflammatory responses require more investigation.

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