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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
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Adult Mouse Digit Amputation and Regeneration: A Simple Model to Investigate Mammalian Blastema Formation and Intramembranous Ossification
Published on: July 12, 2019
Tissue response and Msx1 expression after human fetal digit tip amputation in vitro
Christopher H Allan1, Philip Fleckman, Russell J Fernandes
1Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine--Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, Washington 98104, USA. callan@u.washington.edu
Summary
Human fetal digits can regenerate in vitro after amputation. This regrowth process is associated with the expression of Msx1, a key transcription repressor, in the developing digit tip.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Regenerative medicine
- Human fetal development
Background:
- Mammalian digit tip regeneration is known, but human cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unclear.
- Understanding human digit regeneration is crucial for regenerative medicine and developmental biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish an in vitro human fetal model for studying digit tip regeneration.
- To investigate the expression of Msx1 during human digit development and regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Human fetal digits (53-117 days' estimated gestational age) were cultured in serum-free medium.
- Tip amputation was performed, followed by culture for up to 4 weeks.
- Histology and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze control and amputated digits.
Main Results:
- Regrowing tissue covered the amputation site in digits up to 80 days' estimated gestational age.
- Msx1 expression was observed in control digits and at the regrowing tip post-amputation.
- Increased Msx1 expression was noted at the regrowing tip by 4 days after amputation in 57-day-old fetal digits.
Conclusions:
- Human fetal digits demonstrate regenerative capacity in vitro following amputation.
- The regeneration process is spatially associated with Msx1 expression.
- Msx1 may play a significant role in human digit tip regeneration.
