Prospects for restorative therapy through the prism of the capabilities of one mouse (7 photos)

Mice are not the most useful creatures. Many people generally fall into horror at the sight of a vole or a house mouse. But in nature there is one very unusual and medically promising species that requires careful study.





We are talking about the Akomis, inhabiting Asia, Africa, Crete and Cyprus. These fur balls look almost no different from their brothers in the shop. Just bigger in size. Yes, their hairs are isolated and sharp, which gives them a resemblance to a hedgehog and gave them another non-standard name - spiny mouse.



But unusual fur is nothing compared to the capabilities of this tailed little thing. They have incredible self-healing abilities. No, lizards, salamanders and worms that can even regrow their bodies are great. Even humans can boast of the ability to restore bone marrow and liver. But these representatives of the genus Acomys (from the Greek acme - pointed tip) are real champions in the field of self-healing.





Akomis have a very thin skin. In case of the slightest danger, they shed part of this skin - and quite an impressive one, more than half. And then they grow back just as easily. At the same time, they do without scars, scars and other defects. And they can also restore not only the skin itself, but also nervous tissue, muscle fibers, blood vessels, even internal organs and... the brain.



In this case, we are not just talking about healing, but about the complete restoration of the damaged area, fragment or organ. Which completely restores functions and continues to work fully.



Akomis are full of other surprises. With limited resources, they are able to fall into a state close to suspended animation and can go without water for a long time, which allows them to survive in difficult conditions.



It took a month to restore the damaged ear.

And the ability to regenerate in mice is provided by special genes that are part of the cells of brain tissue and connective tissue. The principle of their action resembles the development of an embryo. The gene is sent to the damaged area and builds it up, restoring functions.



A mouse a month and a half after injury from a broken running wheel

Thus, these small creatures open up incredible prospects for humanity in the field of regenerative medicine. Just imagine - the possibility of not just a cure, but an almost complete restoration of a wide variety of organs and systems, right down to the brain. Of course, this is a long process and enormous work. But spiny mice, by the fact of their existence, have proven that this is possible.