A team of researchers from Arizona State University have discovered the genetic “recipe” for lizard tail regeneration.
“Using next-generation technologies to sequence all the genes expressed during regeneration, we have unlocked the mystery of what genes are needed to regrow the lizard tail,” said lead author Kenro Kusumi. “By following the genetic recipe for regeneration that is found in lizards, and then harnessing those same genes in human cells, it may be possible to regrow new cartilage, muscle or even spinal cord in the future.”
The findings are published in the journal PLOS ONE.
How lizards regenerate their tails: researchers discover genetic ‘recipe’