Towards comparative analyses of salamander limb regeneration

J Exp Zool B Mol Dev Evol, 2021 · DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22902 · Published: March 1, 2021

Simple Explanation

Salamanders are unique among tetrapods due to their lifelong ability to regenerate limbs and tails, attracting scientific interest for centuries. Recent advancements in salamander genome sequencing and omics tools offer new perspectives on tissue regeneration studies. The review emphasizes the need to broaden research beyond primary salamander models to include other species, considering potential variations in limb development and regeneration among salamanders. Comparative studies of salamander species can provide evolutionary insights into the mechanisms of tissue regeneration, revealing both commonalities and differences.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Salamanders exhibit considerable variation in life history, development, physiology, and morphology, more than other tetrapod groups, including variations in limb morphology and digit number.
2
Limb regeneration appears to transcend different modes of salamander development and life history, though not all species have been evaluated for limb regenerative potential.
3
Molecular-level regeneration mechanisms can vary among salamanders, highlighting the need for comparative studies of muscle tissue regeneration beyond Ambystomatidae and Salamandridae.

Research Summary

This review advocates for comparative studies of salamander limb regeneration to understand the evolutionary aspects and mechanisms involved. It highlights the need to move beyond the commonly studied species to explore the diversity in regeneration across different salamander species. The authors discuss conserved aspects of limb regeneration, such as the wound epithelium, apical epithelial cap, and blastema, while also noting variations in muscle regeneration and limb patterning among different species. The review emphasizes the importance of utilizing omics approaches, genetic and pharmacological methods, and accessible databases to facilitate comparative analyses and gain deeper insights into the mechanisms of limb regeneration across salamanders.

Practical Implications

Expanding Research

The call to expand research to include a broader range of salamander species could lead to the discovery of novel regeneration mechanisms and a better understanding of the evolution of regenerative capabilities.

Developing Therapies

Identifying conserved and divergent mechanisms could inform the development of therapies for tissue repair and regeneration in humans.

Informing Conservation

Understanding the genetic and environmental factors affecting regeneration could aid in the conservation of salamander populations, especially in light of threats like the salamander chytrid fungus.

Study Limitations

1
Incomplete molecular toolkits make it difficult to establish species differences.
2
Policies enacted to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and protect endangered species present additional hurdles that can make it difficult to do comparative studies.
3
Each species presents unique challenges to accomplish this goal. To study regeneration in a comparative framework requires laboratory experiments and thus the need to develop species-specific husbandry procedures that ensure animal health and welfare.

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