Contraceptive drug unlocks the brain's hidden power to regenerate damaged nerve connections. Scientists have restored the ability of human spinal cord tissue to repair itself by reactivating a genetic program that is active during embryonic development.
The research, led by George Gibbons and colleagues at the University of Cambridge, was published in Cell Reports. The team created a miniature human circuit — a 'connectoid' — by growing brain organoids and spinal cord organoids in separate dishes and allowing them to connect. They then added muscle clusters, creating a functional nerve pathway that transmitted signals and caused muscle contractions.
By keeping these circuits alive for over a year, they uncovered a critical developmental transition. Around day 150 (corresponding to the mid-trimester of human pregnancy), neurons lose their ability to regrow after injury. Gene analysis revealed a 'maturity switch' that dampens growth-promoting genes as synapses form. The researchers tested a database of existing drugs and found that a contraceptive steroid could block this switch and restore axon growth.
'Neurons from less mature organoids regrew long fibres after injury, but those from more mature organoids showed a sharp drop in their ability to regrow,' said Gibbons. 'In other words, poor regeneration is built into human neurons as they mature in the central nervous system.'
This discovery challenges the long-held belief that spinal cord injuries are irreparable. While more research is needed, the findings suggest that targeted drug therapy could one day help people with paralysis regain movement. It also highlights the importance of understanding neuronal maturity in designing therapies.
Why It Matters for Your Brain
Your brain's ability to rewire itself (neuroplasticity) diminishes with age, much like the neurons in this experiment. This study reveals a biological basis for that decline. It also suggests that certain drugs might temporarily 'rejuvenate' neural plasticity, which could have implications for learning and recovery after brain injuries.
What You Can Do
While scientists search for targeted drugs, you can support your brain's inherent plasticity every day. Engage in challenging activities like learning a new language or playing a musical instrument. These activities stimulate the formation of new neural connections, keeping your brain flexible. Also, regular physical exercise boosts a protein called BDNF, which is like fertilizer for growing new synapses.
Source: ZME Science
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