Zebrafish hold key to motor neurone cure

Published on Thursday 30 April 2009 09:41

SCIENTISTS at Edinburgh University have found that a species of fish could hold the key to curing motor neurone disease.

They have discovered that the tiny zebrafish produces motor neurone cells – which control all muscle activity allowing humans to speak, walk and breathe – when they repair damage to their spinal cords.

The tropical zebrafish, which are transparent and around 3 cm long, produce the motor neurones from progenitor cells, found in the spinal cord, that develop into other types of cells.

Researchers, excited at the prospect of a cure for the devastating illness, are now screening molecules in a bid to find drugs which could kick-start the regeneration process.

As it stands there is no cure for the disease which causes paralysis, severe breathing problems and ultimately death.

Dr Catherina Becker, from the University's centre for neuroregeneration, said: "Understanding how zebrafish can regenerate motor neurones after damage to the spinal cord could help in finding treatments for motor neurone disease."

The research could also help improve treatment for spinal cord injuries following accidents.