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Generation of Chimeric Axolotls with Mutant Haploid Limbs Through Embryonic Grafting
Published on: January 29, 2020
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Multi-species atlas resolves an axolotl limb development and regeneration paradox
Jixing Zhong1, Rita Aires2, Georgios Tsissios1
1School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, EPFL, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Nature Communications
|October 10, 2023
Summary
Axolotl limbs possess apical-ectodermal-ridge (AER)-like cells, but regeneration does not fully reform AER. The mesoderm contributes to limb regrowth, clarifying regeneration mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Comparative Genomics
Background:
- Limb development in tetrapods typically requires apical-ectodermal-ridge (AER) cells.
- Limb regeneration is thought to involve the reformation of AER-like cells.
- The presence and role of AER in axolotl limb regeneration, a key model organism, is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of AER cells in axolotls.
- To understand the role of AER during axolotl limb regeneration.
- To compare limb development and regeneration programs across species.
Main Methods:
- Single-cell transcriptomics of axolotl, human, mouse, chicken, and frog limb cells.
- Spatial transcriptomics of regenerating axolotl limbs.
- Comparative analysis of gene expression and cell populations.
Main Results:
- Axolotls possess cells with apical-ectodermal-ridge (AER) characteristics.
- Limb regeneration in axolotls does not involve the complete reformation of AER.
- The axolotl mesoderm exhibits components of the AER machinery, contributing to limb regrowth.
Conclusions:
- This study clarifies the controversy surrounding AER in axolotl regeneration.
- Axolotl limb regeneration partially recapitulates developmental programs, with mesodermal contribution.
- Findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of tetrapod limb regeneration.
