Researchers at the University of Southampton in the UK are currently developing a drug that manipulates stem cells and makes broken bones heal more quickly and more completely, according to a statement from the university.
Inspired by amphibians that can regrow lost limbs—such as salamanders—the drug activates the “Wnt” molecular pathway in bone, causing a bone sample’s stem cells to divide and create more bone cells.
Futurity reports that the Wnt pathway is found in everything from sponges to humans and significantly influences an animal’s growth. It also controls the growth of stem cells that help to restore injured tissue, so manipulating the pathway with a drug to spur the production of more stem cells makes for a speedier and more complete recovery.
“Bone fractures are a big problem in society, especially in older people,” says Dr. Nick Evans, Ph.D., associate professor of bioengineering at the university and the lead author of the study.
“Through our research, we are trying to find ways to chemically stimulate Wnt signaling using drugs. To achieve this, we selectively deliver proteins and other molecules that change Wnt signaling specifically to stem cells, particularly in the bone. This may help us find cures for many diseases, including bone disease, and speed up bone healing after fracture.”
Drug will prevent complications in elderly
Dr. Evans notes that if the pathway is chemically activated for too long, the regenerative effects can be lost or reversed, highlighting the importance of timed and targeted delivery of Wnt stimulating drugs and explaining how that was a major focus in the team’s research.
Dr. Evans says that this drug will prevent many of the complications that can arise from bone fractures, especially in the elderly.
“It is getting worse as more people get older and their risk of fracture increases. Most fractures heal completely by themselves, but a surprising number, around 10 percent, take over six months to heal, or never heal at all. In the worst cases this can lead to several surgical operations, or even amputation.”
The research is published in the journal Stem Cells.
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Feature Image: Thinkstock
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