CCMB’s ‘Programmed Cell Revival’ May Open Doors for Regenerative Therapies

Update: 2025-08-27 07:30 GMT

Hyderabad: A groundbreaking discovery by scientists at the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, has unveiled a previously unknown mechanism that accelerates tissue repair and regeneration. The research, led by Dr. Santosh Chauhan and published in the EMBO Journal, reveals that cells can recover from near-death through a structured, programmed process resembling developmental growth.

Termed Programmed Cell Revival, this process was shown to significantly enhance healing in multiple experimental models. In mice, it sped up skin wound closure and repaired corneal burns; in frog tadpoles, it aided tail regeneration; in worms, it promoted nerve healing; and in fruit flies, it boosted blood stem cell production.

Traditionally, it was believed that once a cell begins the process of dying, its fate is sealed. However, this study challenges that notion. "What we see is not accidental survival of cells. Rather, we find that cells across organisms have the ability to follow a common mechanism that can reactivate their developmental, metabolic, and immune pathways to restore their full cellular function. This discovery reshapes how we think about life, death, and healing at the cellular level," Dr Chauhan said.

The scientists have filed for Indian and international patents for this finding. They also cautioned that the same revival program could pose risks in certain contexts, particularly cancer.

"Many cancer drug screens rely on superficial signs of cell death, but this study warns that such cells may not be truly dead — and could revive with enhanced stem-like properties, potentially making tumours more aggressive. While Programmed Cell Revival mechanisms may be a blessing for regenerative medicine strategies, they possibly reduce the efficacy of cancer treatments," Dr Chauhan said.

This discovery has opened up a new frontier in cell biology that is poised to engage experts in regenerative medicine and cancer biologists to look at their findings in a new light.

Read also https://health.medicaldialogues.in/health/type-1-diabetes-patient-undergoes-successful-pancreas-kidney-transplant-at-nanavati-max-hospital-154096

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