Humans regrowing limbs sounds like something out of a science-fiction movie, but researchers may be closer to making it a reality.
In a new paper published online in PLOS ONE, two researchers have identified the key behind this amazing ability.
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They found the genetic regulators in three species that are able to regenerate: the zebrafish, the bichir and the axolotl, a type of salamander found in Mexico.
While it may seem like the ability to regenerate is limited to particular species, the researchers believe instead that it is a result of the nature preserving this ability through evolution.
“Limb regeneration in humans may sound like science fiction, but it’s within the realm of possibility,” said Voot P. Yin, one of the researchers.
The team didn’t expect to find large differences between the three species, but were thrilled to see that they were the same throughout the species.
The mechanism responsible for regeneration is the blastema, also known as the “regeneration bud.” This mass of cells has the ability to develop into a limb or even an organ. This is the first stage in regeneration.
The researchers studied the blastema in all the species and found a shared set of genes that are controlled by genetic regulators known as microRNAs. RNAs, or ribonucleic acid — like DNA — is found in all living beings.
This new research will help scientists understand why some tissues in humans regenerate poorer than others. Most excitingly, it could help manipulate the tissues to better regenerate.
While this research is paving the way for limb regeneration in humans, the reality is, it is still a long way off. Yin said that the advancement of the findings is highly dependent on funding, which has seen cuts recently.
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