Belgian scientists have uncovered an astonishing phenomenon occurring beneath our skin when we get injured: skin cells have the ability to switch between solid and liquid states to promote the healing process.
Have you ever wondered what happens when a small cut heals? Professor Cédric Blanpain’s research team at the Free University of Brussels (ULB) delved into this issue and made a surprising discovery.
Scar. (Illustrative image: Shutterstock).
By directly observing the healing process in mice under a microscope, scientists discovered that skin cells do not merely move to fill the wound but undergo a remarkable transformation process.
According to research published in the journal Cell, skin cells initially exist in a solid state. However, when a wound occurs, they “melt” into a liquid form, allowing them to move easily and quickly to the repair site.
Once their task is complete, these cells will “harden” again to form new skin tissue.
This process of switching between solid and liquid states is likened to a type of “biological gel.”
The scientists identified genetic factors playing a crucial role in controlling this transformation process. They were even able to use certain drugs to temporarily halt this process and keep the cells in a liquid state.
This discovery opens up new prospects for treating chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers, pressure sores, and conditions related to tissue regeneration.
By understanding the mechanisms of healing, scientists can develop more effective treatments, helping wounds heal faster and minimizing scarring.
Additionally, this research is significant for the field of regenerative medicine. Scientists are exploring ways to stimulate tissue regeneration in other organs such as the heart, liver, and lungs.
A better understanding of the healing mechanisms in the skin could provide important insights for researching the regeneration of these tissues.
Despite achieving significant milestones, many questions remain unanswered. For instance, how can we accelerate the healing process for larger wounds? Does the state transition of cells occur in other types of tissues? And how can we control this process more precisely?
The findings of the ULB research team have provided a completely new perspective on the healing process.
This is an important step in understanding the body’s self-healing mechanisms and opens new avenues for treating wound-related diseases.
