Characterization of in vitro transcriptional responses of dorsal root ganglia cultured in the presence and absence of blastema cells from regenerating salamander limbs

Regeneration, 2014 · DOI: 10.1002/reg2.14 · Published: June 11, 2014

Regenerative Medicine Neurology Genetics

Simple Explanation

This study explores how nerves respond to signals from regenerating limb cells in salamanders. The researchers created a model where nerve cells (DRG) are grown with and without blastema cells, which are crucial for limb regeneration. By analyzing gene activity in these nerve cells, they identified specific genes that change their behavior when exposed to blastema cells. This helps understand the communication between nerves and regenerating tissues. The findings shed light on the factors involved in nerve regrowth and how nerves influence limb regeneration, potentially leading to new approaches for regenerative medicine.

Study Duration

10 days

Participants

Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum)

Evidence Level

In vitro study

Key Findings

1
Over 1500 genes change expression in DRG and the nerve trunk during the first 5 days of culture, indicating nerve recovery and regeneration after dissection.
2
A smaller set of 27 genes were differentially expressed by DRG in response to the presence of co-cultured blastema cells after an additional 5 days.
3
Keratin 17 (krt17) showed the largest change in expression, increasing significantly in response to blastema co-culture, suggesting a role in nerve-blastema interactions.

Research Summary

The study investigates the transcriptional response of regenerating DRG neurons and associated cells to signaling from the blastema in axolotls. A DRG−blastema co-culture model was used to test the hypothesis that signaling from blastema cells regulates gene transcription in regenerating nerves. The results identified specific genes that are differentially expressed in DRG in response to blastema co-culture, providing insights into nerve-blastema signaling during limb regeneration.

Practical Implications

Axon Regrowth

Identification of genes like keratin 17 (krt17) and amphiregulin (areg) provides potential targets for enhancing axon regrowth during nerve regeneration.

Nerve-Blastema Signaling

Understanding the reciprocal signaling between nerves and blastema cells can lead to the discovery of neurotrophic factors essential for blastema formation and growth.

Regenerative Medicine

Insights into the genes involved in limb regeneration in salamanders may offer new strategies for promoting tissue regeneration in humans.

Study Limitations

1
The study does not identify which specific cell types within the DRG are responsible for the observed transcriptional changes.
2
It is unclear whether the observed gene expression changes are due to axonal retrograde transport or diffusible molecules from the blastema.
3
The study is limited to an in vitro model, and further in vivo studies are needed to validate the findings and determine their relevance to limb regeneration in salamanders.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Regenerative Medicine