Embryologists at the University of Petersburg, Russia, have discovered the secret of worms’ superior ability to regenerate.

Scientists have conducted experiments on annelid Nereis living in the White Sea, up to half a meter in length, and what interests biologists is its ability to grow a miniature version of the amputated part of its body.

It became clear to the scientists that these multi-haired worms cannot grow the amputated part when blocking the activity of the protein FGF (fibroblast growth factor), which is produced by the epidermis, nervous tissue, macrophages and fibroblasts. And under the influence of the growth factor begins the growth of nerves and blood vessels. According to the media office of the Russian Scientific Foundation.

The researchers discovered the genes responsible for the production of the protein FGF, and after they damaged the worms, they isolated from their new ends the products of action of these genes – RNA molecules and cloned their parts. On their basis, they were able to install luminous markers, allowing to see where these genes work.

Then they blocked the receptors and mediators of the FGF proteins pathway, adding the inhibitory substances in the water in which the worms live. And it became clear from this process that the regeneration process in the worms stopped completely, while after four hours the process of renewing the amputated part began in the worms that did not add the inhibitor to the water in which they live. There is a protein in the human body close to the protein FGF.

The researchers point out that it is possible that knowledge of the work of this protein will help in the production of drugs that help speed wound healing in the human body.