Sea Sponge Genes Help Hearts Heal
Sea sponges regrow lost parts using specific genes in the Wnt signaling pathway. Scientists applied this knowledge to heart repair with promising results. Mice showed 20% more heart muscle regrowth after injury when treated with these genes. The University of California tests larger animals this year. Patients dependent on pacemakers might someday regenerate healthy tissue instead. These ancient marine organisms lack sophisticated organs yet possess remarkable regenerative capabilities that mammals have largely lost.