It turns out that ability to regrow body parts may be hidden in our genes. Scientists have built a running list of genes that enable regenerating animals to grow back limbs and have found that they may have counterpart genes in humans.
Studying regeneration in animals such as salamanders is important for researchers. This is largely because if we can unlock the secret of regeneration, we may be able to help the healing process occur more quickly in humans. That's why researchers have focused on genes in animals that have regenerative capabilities.
"We want to know how regeneration happens, with the ultimate goal of helping humans realize their full regenerative potential," said Kenneth D. Poss of Duke University School of Medicine, senior author of the new study. "Our study points to a way that we could potentially awaken the genes responsible for regeneration that we all carry within us."
Researchers have identified regeneration genes in species like zebrafish, flies and mice. However, scientists have yet to find them in humans. In this latest study, though, the researchers looked for genes that were strongly induced during fin and heart regeneration in zebrafish. They found leptin b was turned on in the fish after being injured.
Then, the scientists took the gene and looked at the shortest required DNA sequence from it and looked at whether the "tissue regeneration enhancer elements" (TREEs) could have a similar effect in mammals. In this case, the scientists found that the same genes were activated in the injured paws and hearts of mice.
Currently, the researchers hope to combine genetic elements with genome-editing technologies to improve the ability of mammals to repair and possibly even regrow damaged body parts. With that said, the research is still in its beginning stages. While scientists have found counterparts in some mammals, they still need to uncover the same in humans.
"We want to find more of these types of elements so we can understand what turns on and ultimately controls the program of regeneration," Poss said. "There may be strong elements that boost expression of the gene much higher than others, or elements that activate genes in a specific cell type that is injured. Having that level of specificity may one day enable us to change a poorly regenerative tissue to a better one with near-surgical precision."
The findings are published in the April journal Nature.
