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Altered metabolic state impedes limb regeneration in salamanders
Zhe-Lun Peng1,2,3, Bin-Xu Yin1, Rui-Min Ren1
1College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
Zoological Research
|October 13, 2021
Summary
Salamanders can regenerate limbs even after prolonged starvation by utilizing autophagy. This process supports initial blastema formation, though full limb regrowth is limited under stress.
Area of Science:
- Amphibian biology
- Regenerative medicine
- Cellular stress response
Background:
- Salamanders possess unique limb regeneration abilities throughout life.
- Amphibians can survive extended starvation periods.
- The impact of starvation on salamander regeneration remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate limb regeneration in Iberian ribbed newts under prolonged starvation.
- To identify molecular and cellular changes during starvation-induced stress.
- To understand the interplay between autophagy and regeneration under adverse conditions.
Main Methods:
- Iberian ribbed newts (Pleurodeles waltl) were subjected to 19-21 months of food deprivation.
- Limb regeneration was assessed after amputation in starved and fed newts.
- Autophagy levels, cell proliferation, and blastema formation were analyzed.
- The effect of autophagy inhibition on regeneration was studied.
Main Results:
- Starved newts showed adaptations but maintained activity; autophagy was elevated.
- Limb regeneration initiated with progenitor cell proliferation and blastema formation in starved newts.
- Limb outgrowth and patterning were significantly reduced in starved newts.
- Autophagy inhibition blocked regeneration in starved, but not fed, newts.
Conclusions:
- Tissue autophagy is crucial for blastema formation in starved salamanders.
- Salamanders employ alternative strategies to initiate regeneration under stress.
- Autophagy and regeneration are tightly coupled under adverse physiological conditions.
