A new study has identified a potential neurological target that could aid individuals in regaining the ability to walk after a spinal cord injury. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Alberta, who discovered that a protein called integrin-linked kinase (ILK) plays a crucial role in the regeneration of neural pathways that enable walking.

The study involved mice that had experienced a spinal cord injury. The researchers found that when they injected the mice with an ILK activator, the mice were able to walk better than those who did not receive the treatment. The researchers believe that this finding could lead to the development of new treatments that target ILK, which could potentially help individuals with spinal cord injuries regain the ability to walk.

Spinal cord injuries can have devastating consequences, including paralysis and loss of mobility. While there is currently no cure for these injuries, this study provides hope for the development of new treatments that could improve the quality of life for those affected.

Read more: https://neurosciencenews.com/sci-walking-23050/