A protein found in human hair shows promise for promoting the regeneration of nerve tissue and could lead to a new treatment option when nerves are cut or crushed from trauma.
In the current issue of Biomaterials, scientists from Wake Forest University School of Medicine reported that in animal studies the protein keratin was able to speed up nerve regeneration and improve nerve function compared to current treatment options.
“We found that the nerve repair happened more quickly and consistently, and that functional recovery was higher,” said Mark Van Dyke, Ph.D., senior author and an assistant professor of regenerative medicine. “The fact that we were able to accomplish this with gels made from keratin is pretty remarkable.”

(more…)