Blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen to the brain. But when a person suffers a stroke, brain cells begin to die due to decreased blood flow and the resulting lack of oxygen to the brain. This could result in paralysis, coma, or even death.
Until now, it was believed that the brain cells simply do not regrow. But researchers at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) have identified a gene that might lead to post-stroke brain repair.
The gene is called growth and differentiation factor 10 (GDF10). The research suggests that GDF10 may be a potential therapy for recovery after stroke.
It signals healthy neurons to re-establish the lost connection that results in partial recovery. Researchers believe that if the signals that lead to the partial recovery after a stroke can be identified, it might lead to the development of a drug to enhance brain repair after a stroke.
