3.4.3 Biotechnology
Sea stars have the remarkable ability for regeneration. When a sea star
loses a ray, it can grow a whole new one, given time. In the near future, this
regeneration process could be studied for medical purposes (M. Nadeau, pers.comm., 2006). The brittlestar, Amphiura filiformis, a close relative of the sea star,
can regenerate lost rays in a matter of weeks. Scientists at the Royal Swedish
Academy of Sciences Kristineberg Marine Research Station are using the
brittlestar as a new model for studying stem cells, allowing them to conduct
experiments that avoid the ethical issues associated with human and vertebrate
research (Dupont et al. 2006). The researchers are particularly interested in
studying the recovery of the nervous system which could have applications for
understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Another medical application relates to the field of cancer treatments where
Cytotoxic natural products are used. In fact, extracts from the mud star
(Ctenodiscus crispatus) have shown considerable cytotoxic activity
(Gudbjarnason, 1999).