The Mexican axolotl salamander, known for its ability to regrow lost limbs, may heal by reprogramming cells in the stumps of the amputated limbs to mimic developing embryonic cells.
Tony Hunter at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California, and his colleagues found that limb amputation in the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum, pictured) triggered expression of two genes, PL1 and PL2 — which are active in sperm and egg cells and in developing embryos — in the new outgrowth. The same genes were not stimulated near superficial wounds. Suppressing production of the PL1 and PL2 proteins increased cell death in the developing limb and slowed its growth. Lower levels of the proteins were also linked to decreased levels of FGF8, a molecule important in normal limb development.
The findings could inform strategies for regenerating tissue in humans, the authors say.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Salamanders heal like embryos grow. Nature 489, 477 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/489477c
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/489477c
