Regenerating livers with the bacteria that causes leprosy

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh (UK) have shown that leprosy, one of the oldest infectious diseases in human history may hold the key to regenerating livers.  

In findings published in Cell Reports Medicine, the team found that partial reprogramming of liver cells into a regenerative state by Mycobacterium leprae resulted in the development of enlarged livers, which were functionally and morphologically normal with no tumors or fibrosis.

In the study, the scientists worked with the US Department of Health and Human Services (DC, USA) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to infect 57 armadillos, a natural host of leprosy bacteria. The livers of nine infected armadillos were then compared to those of uninfected armadillos. The team observed that the infected armadillos had gene expression patterns similar to that of younger animals and embryonic human livers. Genes associated with growth, metabolism and cell proliferation were activated and genes associated with aging were downregulated.

The researchers believe that the bacterium alters the liver cells by bringing them back to their progenitor stage where they can differentiate into new liver cells, resulting in the formation of new liver tissue. It is hoped that if this process can be adapted, it could be used as a treatment for individuals with liver disease or utilized to increase healthspan in individuals with aging livers.

“If we can identify how bacteria grow the liver as a functional organ without causing adverse effects in living animals, we may be able to translate that knowledge to develop safer therapeutic interventions to rejuvenate aging livers and to regenerate damaged tissues commented Anura Rambukkana, Professor at the University of Edinburgh Centre for Regenerative Medicine.