When a salamander loses a limb, the wound sends out molecular signals that prompt surrounding tissue to begin production of new progenitor cells, also referred to as precursor cells. These progenitor cells continue to divide and form a large pool of cells at the wound site, called a blastema, that will later specialize and mature to help form the bone, muscle, cartilage, nerves and skin of the regenerated limb.
Although most mammals cannot restore tissue efficiently, a certain type of mouse, known as the MRL mouse, has enhanced regenerative capabilities. The MRL mouse can regenerate a portion of the ear as well as its heart tissue following injury.
The researchers aim to prove that mammals can form the required progenitor cells for regeneration just as a salamander does. By studying salamanders and MRL mice, the researchers hope to identify the specific types of cells, molecular signals, genes and cellular scaffolding required for regenerative cell growth. In essence, they seek as comprehensive an understanding as possible of the mechanisms and processes to obtain the blueprint for regenerative growth.
With such information in hand, the researchers will turn their attention to studies using another mouse model incapable of tissue restoration a model more representative of mammals, including humans. Specifically, they will attempt to orchestrate the formation of a blastema in response to an injury at the site where nature would normally direct the accumulation of s
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2-May-2006