New study shows how the brain repairs itself during development
最新研究揭示大腦在發育過程中如何自我修復
更新於: 2026年6月22日 上午03:15
A groundbreaking 2026 study from Kyoto University has unveiled a fascinating paradox: the human brain intentionally damages its own DNA to grow.
京都大學於2026年發布的一項突破性研究揭示了一個引人入勝的悖論：人類大腦為了生長，會刻意損壞自身的DNA。
As newborn neurons migrate through the crowded cerebral cortex, they encounter mechanical stress that causes double-strand breaks in their DNA.
當新生神經元遷移穿過擁擠的大腦皮質時，會遭遇物理壓力，導致其DNA發生雙股斷裂。
This damage is triggered by an enzyme called Topoisomerase IIβ, which helps untangle genetic material but often gets trapped under physical pressure.
這種損傷是由一種名為拓樸異構酶IIβ的酵素所觸發，該酵素原旨在幫助解開遺傳物質，卻常在物理壓力下受困。
While DNA damage is typically seen as a sign of decay, this study suggests it is a normal, healthy part of development.
儘管DNA損傷通常被視為衰退的徵兆，但這項研究表明它是發育過程中正常且健康的一部分。
The brain repairs these breaks within 24 hours using a process called non-homologous end joining.
大腦會利用一種稱為「非同源末端接合」的過程，在24小時內修復這些斷裂。
Researchers found that when these repair mechanisms fail, such as in mice lacking the enzyme Ligase 4, permanent neurological issues occur.
研究人員發現，當這些修復機制失效時（例如在缺乏連接酶4的小鼠身上），會出現永久性的神經問題。
By exploring how the brain tolerates and heals from genomic trauma, scientists hope to gain deeper insights into neurodevelopmental disorders and the long-term resilience of the human mind.
透過探索大腦如何承受並從基因組創傷中癒合，科學家們希望能更深入了解神經發育障礙，以及人類心智的長期韌性。
