How Spiny Mice Bounce Back from Strokes Without Regrowing Brain Tissue

Published February 12, 2025

Anatomical MRI of representative Acomys brains

Researchers induced ischemic stroke in African spiny mice—rodents uniquely capable of regenerating damaged tissue without scarring—and used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to observe how the rodents recovered. The researchers constructed a detailed map of the rodents’ brains, finding that while they did not regenerate damaged brain tissue, the intact brain regions were able to compensate for the injury much better than other mammals. Further research on this process may lead to improved treatments for stroke in humans.

What is the finding

This study explores how the African spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus), a rodent known for its ability to heal damaged tissue, recovers from a stroke. Unlike previous findings in spinal cord repair, MRI scans showed the mice didn’t regrow brain tissue. Instead, they recovered quickly by using other parts of their brain to compensate for the damage.

Why is this important?

Ischemic stroke happens when a blocked blood vessel cuts off oxygen from the brain. It is a major cause of disability and death in adults over 40. This study used MRI to map the African spiny mouse’s brain and see how it adapted after injury from stoke, finding that it recovers unusually well from strokes. Understanding how this mouse rewires its brain could provide valuable insights into broader brain development and healing in mammals.

Who did the research?

Benjamin M. Kidd, Justin A. Varholick, Dana M. Tuyn, Pradip K. Kamat, Zachary D. Simon, Lei Liu, Mackenzie P. Mekler, Marjory Pompilus, Jodi L. Bubenik, Mackenzie L. Davenport, Helmut A. Carter, Matteo M. Grudny, W. Brad Barbazuk, Sylvain Doré, Marcelo Febo,Eduardo Candelario-Jalil, Malcolm Maden, & Maurice S. Swanson

University of Florida

Why did they need the MagLab?

This study used advanced MRI in three ways: First, to track how the brain’s structure changed after a stroke. Second, resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI) showed how different brain areas connect and adapt to compensate for damage. Third, detailed post-mortem MRI created a high-resolution map of the spiny mouse brain, helping researchers interpret earlier results and support future studies. These techniques required powerful high-field MRI technology, only possible with the MagLab’s specialized equipment.

Details for scientists

View or download the expert-level Science Highlight, Stroke-induced neuroplasticity in spiny mice in the absence of tissue regeneration
Read the full-length publication, Stroke-induced neuroplasticity in spiny mice in the absence of tissue regeneration, in Nature Partner Journals (npj) Regenerative Medicine

Funding

This research was funded by the following grants: M. S. Swanson (NIH P50 NS048843), K. M. Amm (NSF DMR-2128556; NSF DMR-1644779); A. S. Edison (NIH S10 RR025671)

For more information, contact Joanna R Long.