Topic: Research News
Researchers found a gene that helps animals survive in thin air and may also help repair nerve damage in humans. This discovery could lead to new ways to treat conditions like cerebral paralysis and multiple sclerosis.
A genetic adaptation that allows animals like yaks and Tibetan antelopes to thrive at high altitudes may have a surprising benefit for human brain health. Scientists discovered that this mutation can help repair damaged nerve insulation in conditions such as cerebral paralysis and multiple sclerosis.
The study, published in the journal Neuron, identified a natural biological pathway that supports nerve regeneration. This pathway could be harnessed using molecules already found in the human body. Liang Zhang, the corresponding author from Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, said,
Implications
Researchers found a gene that helps animals survive in thin air and may also help repair nerve damage in humans. This discovery could lead to new ways to treat conditions like cerebral paralysis and multiple sclerosis.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260415043630.htm
Journal Reference:
- Daopeng Li, Wenxiu Dai, Li Li, Zhihao Zhou, Zhenghao Li, Chenzhao He, Xiangying Li, Xiaoyun Lu, Qiuying Huang, Yanqin Zhu, Debao Wu, Jiaquan Lu, Yiting Yuan, Yanghanchen Zhao, Wenbiao Zhang, Zhiping Zeng, Qiuying Huang, Xuemin Wang, Peng Shi, Liang Zhang. A gain-of-function Retsat variant from high-altitude adaptation promotes myelination via a neuronal dihydroretinoic acid-RXR-γ pathway. Neuron, 2026; DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2026.01.013
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