Scientists from Duke University have discovered the Connective Tissue Growth Factor A (CTGFA) protein in zebra fish. Why is this important? Because it helps to heal spinal-cord damage.
Tests showed that when the zebra fish’s spinal cord ruptured, a bridge of cells formed, followed by nerve cells and tissue. In about eight weeks, paralysed fish were swimming again. Professor Kenneth Poss said: ‘We need to look to animals like zebra fish for new clues about how to stimulate regeneration.’
