Of Salamanders and Spiny Mice: Common Features of Regeneration and Stem Cells

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review identifies the salient cellular and molecular features of regeneration of the skin and limbs of salamanders to see whether any of these features are in common with recent reports on the spiny mouse (Acomys), a mammal with some remarkable regenerative behavior. Other reports of mammalian regeneration are also highlighted.

Recent Findings

Mammals have classically been regarded as non-regenerating, but the regeneration of several embryonic and post-natal tissues as well as reports of adult skin and ear hole regeneration have recently been described. Common features of these regenerating systems and those of salamanders are discussed in terms of their immune systems, cytokine responses, matrix composition, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) activation as well as the occurrence of blastemas in these diverse organisms. The common involvement of stem cells in regenerating systems is also addressed.

Summary

Mammals may not have lost all their regenerative powers, and a more diverse approach across other new model systems may reveal surprising behavior such as that seen in Acomys, the spiny mouse. Mammalian regenerating tissues share many common features with the champions of regeneration, the salamanders.