Scientists discover the key to Axolotls’ ability to regenerate the limbs

In its current research, there are still gaps to fill: how the CYP26B1 gradient is regulated, how retinoic acid is connected to Shox Gene and which factors downstream determine the formation of specific structures, such as homer or radius bones.

From healing to regeneration

Monaghan explains that Axolotls do not have a “magical gene” for regeneration, but share the same fundamental genes as humans. “The key difference lies in accessibility of those genes. While an injury to man activates genes that induce scars, in the Salamandre there is Cell DE-DIFFERENCE: Cells return to an embryonic state, where they can respond to signals such as retinoic acid. This ability to return to a “development state” is the basis of their regeneration “, explains the researcher.

So if humans have the same genes, why can’t we regenerate? “The difference is that Salamandra can rekindle it [developmental] program after injuries. “Humans cannot: access only this development path during initial growth before birth.

Monaghan states that, in theory, it would not be necessary to change human DNA to induce regeneration, but intervene at the moment and positioning in the right body with regulatory molecules. For example, the molecular paths that signal a cell are in the elbow on the little finger – and not on the thumb – could be reactivated in a regenerative environment using technologies such as Crispr. “This understanding could be applied in stem cell therapies. Currently, the stem cells grown in the laboratory do not know” where they are “when they are transplanted. If they can be programmed with precise position signals, they could integrate correctly into the damaged tissues and contribute to structural regeneration, such as forming a complete humerus,” says the researcher.

After years of work, understanding the role of retinoic acid – studied since 1981 – is a source of profound satisfaction for Monaghan. The scientist imagines a future in which a patch placed on a wound can reactivate development programs in human cells, emulating the regenerative mechanism of Salamandra. Although it is not immediate, he believes that cell engineering to induce regeneration is a goal already within the reach of science.

Reflects on how Axolotl has had a second scientific life. “It was a dominant model one hundred years ago, then he fell in disuse for decades and has now re -emerged thanks to modern tools such as gene editing and cellular analysis. The team can study any gene and cell during the regenerative process. Furthermore, Axolotl has become a cultural icon of tenderness and rarity.”

This story originally appeared on Wired en español And it was translated by the Spaniard.