Long-Distance Signals Are Required for Morphogenesis of the Regenerating Xenopus Tadpole Tail, as Shown by Femtosecond-Laser Ablation

PLoS ONE, 2011 · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024953 · Published: September 16, 2011

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how long-distance signals influence tail regeneration in Xenopus tadpoles. Researchers used lasers to damage specific cells and then analyzed the shape of the regrown tails. The team found that damaging cells along the dorsal midline, especially the spinal cord, affected the tail's shape, but only if the damage occurred within the first 24 hours after amputation. This suggests early signals are important. The study also suggests that the information guiding regeneration isn't simply a gradient signal from the amputation site. The location of damage along the spinal cord influenced tail shape in distinct ways.

Study Duration

8-10 days

Participants

Xenopus laevis tadpoles at stage 39 to 40

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Damage to the dorsal midline, particularly the spinal cord, affects regenerate morphology up to 24 hours post-amputation.
2
The location of spinal cord damage along the anterior-posterior axis influences the shape of the regenerated tail, suggesting position-specific information.
3
Damage at two different AP levels causes malformations that are qualitatively different from the effects of damage at either site alone.

Research Summary

This study explores the role of long-distance signals and the spinal cord during tadpole tail regeneration using laser ablation and geometric morphometrics. The findings suggest that an undamaged spinal cord is required for a conduit of morphology-influencing information. The researchers propose a model of morphogenetic information flow from tissue undamaged by amputation and conclude that understanding signals from outside the regeneration bud is critical.

Practical Implications

Understanding Regeneration Signals

Identifying long-distance signals can aid in understanding the mechanisms of regeneration.

Biomedical Applications

The research may contribute to biomedical approaches for tissue regeneration in humans.

Targeted Therapies

Targeting specific cell populations with precise techniques can reveal their roles in regeneration.

Study Limitations

1
The study focuses primarily on Xenopus tadpoles, and findings may not directly translate to other organisms.
2
The laser ablation technique targets melanocytes, which may introduce bias based on pigment distribution.
3
The study acknowledges that some morphological changes, such as left-right bending, were difficult to capture quantitatively.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Regenerative Medicine