New research suggests key role of one protein in healing brain injury

UF Health Podcasts

When you hit your head, the consequences can be as benign as an unsightly bump or as significant as a traumatic brain injury, which affects how the brain works — and can result in death or disability.

Now, researchers are digging into how brains respond to injury … and signs point to Snail.

No, not our slimy, mobile-housed gastropod. In this study, scientists from George Washington University use the term to refer to a protein that serves as something of a project manager, synchronizing the response of our brain cells after an injury.

When the body experiences damage to the central nervous system, a focused group of cells begin to make Snail, which appears to take on a starring role in the repair process. Depending on the levels of Snail found, the body’s response to healing the injury can handle the job capably or lead to more impairment.

For example, lowering the amount of Snail after an injury can result in higher levels of inflammation and cell death, according to the study.

This not only halts the healing process, but also worsens the injury itself … whereas higher amounts of Snail improve the outcomes of brain injuries, pointing to a potential avenue of study for those looking to improve the care of neurological injuries.

As usual, further studies will be needed to solidify the link between Snail production and its ability to help, or hinder, the brain’s ability to recover from injury.

But for now, the idea of a helpful snail being responsible for a speedy ticket to health is one we don’t mind envisioning — even if the actual process is much more biochemical in nature.