Inhibition of the Prostaglandin Degrading Enzyme 15-PGDH Potentiates Tissue Regeneration *

A shot in the arm for damaged tissue Tissue damage can be caused by injury, disease, and even certain medical treatments. There is great interest in identifying drugs that accelerate tissue regeneration and recovery, especially drugs that might benefit multiple organ systems. Zhang et al. describe a compound with this desired activity, at least in mice (see the Perspective by FitzGerald). SW033291 promotes recovery of the hematopoietic system after bone marrow transplantation, prevents the development of ulcerative colitis in the intestine, and accelerates liver regeneration after hepatic surgery. It acts by inhibiting an enzyme that degrades prostaglandins, lipid signaling molecules that have been implicated in tissue stem cell maintenance. Science , this issue 10.1126/science.aaa2340 ; see also p. 1208