Brain Tumor Regeneration: New Hope for Spinal Cord Repair

la scoperta

Uno studio internazionale guidato dall’Università di Verona e dalla Statale di Milano, pubblicato sulla rivista Immunity, identifica nei macrofagi associati al tumore una potente capacità di stimolare la crescita dei nervi e la riparazione del midollo spinale

Il team ⁣impegnato⁣ nello studio internazionale guidato dall’Università ⁢di Verona e dalla Statale di Milano

Il ‍team impegnato nello studio internazionale guidato dall’Università di Verona e dalla Statale di Milano

Macrophages Show ⁣Promise ⁣in ‍Spinal Cord Injury Recovery

Researchers at the⁣ University of Padua have discovered that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), traditionally known for promoting cancer metastasis, can also stimulate nerve regeneration and improve motor function after severe spinal cord injury. This finding, published January 26, 2026, in the journal⁤ Nature Neuroscience, offers a potential⁤ new therapeutic avenue ‍for individuals with debilitating spinal injuries.

From Cancer to Cure?

TAMs are immune cells ⁤that infiltrate tumors and⁣ contribute to their growth and spread. Studies⁣ have shown they aid in the formation of ⁤metastases, a process that helps explain why⁤ some tumors are particularly invasive. However, the Padua team found that altering the context in which thes macrophages operate dramatically changes⁢ their function.

Restoring Movement and Nerve Growth

When tested in experimental models of severe and complete spinal cord injury, TAMs demonstrably favored motor recovery, reduced spasticity, and stimulated regeneration of nervous tissue. Repeated governance of TAMs improved neuron survival and axon regrowth – the ‍”fibers” that transmit nerve impulses.

Furthermore, the macrophages helped create a less ⁢antagonistic habitat within the injured nervous tissue. Specifically, tams increased the ⁤formation of new⁤ blood vessels, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery. they also broke down the large fibrotic cyst that often separates damaged nerve tissue into two distinct segments, reducing it to smaller cysts.