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Published on: July 12, 2019
Mammalian organ regeneration in spiny mice
Daryl M Okamura1,2, Elizabeth D Nguyen1,2, Sarah J Collins1
1Center for Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 Ninth Avenue, M/S C9S-5, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA.
Abstract:
Fibrosis-driven solid organ failure is a major world-wide health burden with few therapeutic options. Spiny mice (genus: Acomys) are terrestrial mammals that regenerate severe skin wounds without fibrotic scars to evade predators. Recent studies have shown that spiny mice also regenerate acute ischemic and traumatic injuries to kidney, heart, spinal cord, and skeletal muscle. A common feature of this evolved wound healing response is a lack of formation of fibrotic scar tissue that degrades organ function, inhibits regeneration, and leads to organ failure. Complex tissue regeneration is an extremely rare property among mammalian species. In this article, we discuss the evidence that Acomys represents an emerging model organism that offers a unique opportunity for the biomedical community to investigate and clinically translate molecular mechanisms of scarless wound healing and regeneration of organ function in a mammalian species.
Insights
Spiny mice (Acomys) regenerate injuries without scarring, unlike other mammals. This unique healing ability offers a new model for studying scarless wound repair and organ regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Mammalian regeneration
- Wound healing
Background:
- Fibrosis leads to organ failure, a significant global health issue with limited treatments.
- Spiny mice (Acomys) possess unique regenerative capabilities, healing severe skin wounds without scarring.
- This scarless healing is crucial for evading predators and maintaining function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight Acomys as a novel model organism for studying mammalian regeneration.
- To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying scarless wound healing and organ regeneration in Acomys.
- To facilitate clinical translation of these regenerative processes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on Acomys regeneration.
- Comparative analysis of wound healing responses in Acomys versus other mammals.
- Identification of common features in Acomys' regenerative processes.
Main Results:
- Acomys demonstrate regeneration of various tissues, including kidney, heart, spinal cord, and skeletal muscle, following injury.
- A key characteristic of Acomys regeneration is the absence of fibrotic scar tissue formation.
- This scarless repair prevents degradation of organ function and promotes tissue restoration.
Conclusions:
- Acomys represent a unique mammalian model for investigating scarless healing.
- Understanding Acomys' regenerative mechanisms can lead to new therapies for fibrosis-related organ failure.
- This research opens avenues for translating regenerative strategies into clinical practice.
