Spallanzani's Mouse: A Model of Restoration and Regeneration

摘要: The ability to regenerate is thought be a lost phenotype in mammals, though there are certainly sporadic examples of mammalian regeneration. Our laboratory has identified strain mouse, the MRL which unique capacity heal complex tissue an epimorphic fashion, i.e., restore damaged limb or organ its normal structure and function. Initial studies using through-and-through ear punches showed rapid full closure holes with cartilage growth, new hair follicles, architecture reminiscent regeneration seen amphibians as opposed scarring usually mammals. Since hole quantitative trait, this been used show—through extensive breeding backcrossing—that trait heritable. Such analysis reveals that genetic basis for multiple loci. One major phenotypes mouse potent remodeling response absence reduced level scarring. healing associated upregulation metalloproteinases MMP-2 MMP-9 downregulation their inhibitors TIMP-2 TIMP-3, both present inflammatory cells such neutrophils macrophages. This model more recently extended heart. In case, cryoinjury right ventricle leads near complete scarless whereas control mouse. heart, bromodeoxyuridine uptake by cardiomyocytes filling wound site can 60 days after injury. does not occur Function measured echocardiography, returns normal.