Scientists from the USA have developed a method of paralysis therapy based on protein scaffolds 
them a preparation based on peptide supramolecular polymers. An article by scientists dedicated to the unique therapy of paralysis was published in the journal Science.
In their experiment, specialists from Northwestern University injected experimental mice with a protein scaffold in a liquid state. Immediately after administration, the drug was transformed into a gel of nanofibers copying the extracellular matrix of the spinal cord – both its structure and signals to receptors. “A key innovation in our research, which has never been applied before, is the ability to control the movement of more than 100,000 molecules in nanofibers,” said study leader, professor at Northwestern University Samuel Stupp. This, according to the researchers, allows the molecules to bind better to the receptors.
Once they succeed, the molecules send two signals. One of them starts the process of regeneration of axons – the processes of neurons along which nerve impulses travel. The second promotes the proliferation of other types of cells, contributing, in particular, to the restoration of blood vessels that feed neurons, as well as the formation of myelin – the sheath of nerve fibers. As a result, with the help of therapy, scientists were able to cure severe paralysis of the lower limbs in four weeks.
“Our synthetic signaling molecules are short, modified peptides that can […] survive for weeks in order to stimulate bioactivity.” – says the first author of the study, Zaida Alvarez. The researchers hope that the therapy they have developed will be used in the future not only for the treatment of paralysis, but also for neurodegenerative diseases.