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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
06:04
Murine Dermal Fibroblast Isolation by FACS
Published on: January 7, 2016
Dermal fibroblasts contribute to multiple tissues in the accessory limb model
Ayako Hirata1, David M Gardiner, Akira Satoh
1Okayama University, Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences (RCIS), Kitaku, Okayama, Japan.
Development, Growth & Differentiation
|February 13, 2010
Summary
Dermal fibroblasts in axolotls can form a new limb structure in an accessory limb model. These cells dedifferentiate and regenerate connective tissues but not muscle or nerve cells.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Regenerative medicine
- Amphibian research
Background:
- The accessory limb model allows limb regeneration studies without amputation.
- This model involves interactions between wound epithelium, nerve, and dermal fibroblasts.
- Cellular contributions to accessory limb formation were previously unstudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular origins and contributions to accessory limb formation.
- To determine the fate of dermal fibroblasts during ectopic limb regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic axolotls.
- Transplanted GFP-labeled skin onto a non-GFP host limb.
- Induced accessory limb formation to trace cell fate.
Main Results:
- Dermal fibroblasts contribute to the formation of an ectopic blastema.
- These progenitor cells regenerate connective tissues, including cartilage.
- Dermal fibroblasts did not differentiate into muscle or neural cells.
Conclusions:
- Dermal fibroblasts are key progenitors in accessory limb formation.
- These cells dedifferentiate along their developmental lineage.
- Nerve and wound epithelium signaling directs dermal fibroblast contributions.
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