Zebrafish research sheds light on possible bone regeneration

Research into bone regeneration in zebrafish could one day form the basis of treatments for bone diseases, says research published in Cell Reports.

Two molecular pathways have been found that allow adult zebrafish to replace bones lost after fin amputation. One turns existing bone cells into a developmental stem cell-like state, helping them to grow and replace lost cells; the other encourages the newly-formed cells to turn back into functional, organised bone.

Experts hope that the research could lead to the creation of regenerative therapies that cause human cells to behave in a similar way, opening up possibilities for accelerated healing for people affected by bone diseases or bone damage.

“Our research suggests that enhancing human bone repair or even inducing bone regeneration isn’t a ridiculous idea,” explains Scott Stewart, who led the work. “As we discover the cellular and molecular roles of the signals in zebrafish and pinpoint the missing network connections in mammals, maybe we could coax human bones to repair themselves equally as well.”