In his current study, there are still gaps: how to regulate the CYP26B1 gradient, how retinoic acid is connected to Shox Genes, and what downstream factors determine the formation of a specific structure, such as the humerus or radius skeleton.
From recovery to regeneration
Monaghan explained that Axolotls did not have a “magic gene” for regeneration, but the same gene as humans. “The key difference is Accessibility These genes. Although human injury activates scar-induced genes, in Salamanders Cell detachment: Cells return to an embryonic state similar to that of the state where they can respond to signals such as retinoic acid. This ability to return to a “development state” is the basis for their regeneration. ” the researchers explained.
So, if humans have the same genes, why can’t we regenerate? “The difference is that Salamander can recover [developmental] Procedure after injury. “Humans cannot enter this path of development during the initial growth before birth.
James Monaghan.Photo: Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University
Monaghan said in theory, there is no need to modify human DNA to induce regeneration, but to use regulatory molecules to intervene at the appropriate time and location. For example, using techniques such as CRISPR, molecular pathways that can reactivate cells on the pink side elbow (rather than thumb) in a regenerative environment. “Currently, laboratory-grown stem cells do not know where ‘where’ when transplanted. If they can be programmed with precise position signals, they can be properly integrated into structural tissues, such as forming a complete humerus,” the researchers said. “Currently, laboratory-grown stem cells are ‘where’ when transplanted. If they can be programmed with precise position signals, they can be properly integrated into damaged tissues and contribute to structural regeneration, such as forming a complete lotus leaf intestine.
After years of work, understanding the role of retinoic acid (studied since 1981) is a source of deep satisfaction from Monaghan. What scientists imagine is the future where placing plaques on wounds can reactivate developmental programs in human cells, mimicking the regeneration mechanism of sals. Although not direct, he believes that cellular engineering that induces regeneration is already a scientific-wide goal.
He reflects on how Axolotl has a second scientific life. “It was a major model a hundred years ago, then fell into decades of abandonment, and now reappears due to modern tools such as gene editing and cell analysis. The team can study any gene and cell during regeneration. In addition, Axolotl has become a cultural icon of tenderness and rarity.”
This story originally appeared in wired español and has been translated into Spanish.
