The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Abstract
Urodele amphibians, including newts and salamanders, are amongst the most commonly studied research models for regeneration. The ability to regenerate, however, is not limited to amphibians, and the regenerative process has been observed in mammals as well. This paper discusses methods by which amphibians and mammals regenerate to lend insights into human regenerative mechanisms and regenerative potential. A focus is placed on the urodele and murine digit tip models, both of which share critical regenerative stages including wound healing, histolysis, and blastema formation. Formation of the blastema proved to be a crucial process necessary for regeneration, and is responsible for dedifferentiation and pattern formation. Additionally, the necessity of nerves, macrophages, and upregulation of several genes are discussed. The use of cellular therapy and development of extracellular templates shows promising opportunities in the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering for the stimulation of endogenous repair.
Recommended Citation
Wuensch, C. (2019). Do Humans Possess the Capability to Regenerate?. The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences, 12(2). Retrieved from https://touroscholar.touro.edu/sjlcas/vol12/iss2/2
