Insight Into Skin Regeneration: dsRNA and TLR3

Researchers continue to explore the mechanisms of regeneration in search of both a greater understanding of why it falters in aging, as well as ways to enhance the normal processes of healing. Here they have focused on the role of double-stranded RNA and toll-like receptor 3 in triggering skin regeneration in response to damage: Researchers have identified a novel cell signaling pathway in mice through which mammals - presumably including people - can regenerate hair follicles and skin while healing from wounds. "Medications that turn on this protein have the powerful potential to decrease scarring as healing of wounds takes place, thereby promoting skin and hair follicle regeneration. A lot of human disability is from scarring. After a heart attack, we're really good at replacing the blood flow, but it's the scar on the heart afterward that's the real problem. We and others in the field of regenerative medicine are interested in how to enhance or trigger regeneration in such situations." Damaged skin releases double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) - genetic information normally carried by some viruses - that is sensed by a protein called toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3). TLR3, which in other contexts plays a fundamental role in recognizing some disease-causing organisms and activating the immune system, during wounding also activates the genes IL6 and STAT3 to promote hair follicle regeneration. TLR3 also activates other molecules involved in hair development, including the Wnt and Shh si...
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs