Comparative analysis of ear-hole closure identifies epimorphic regeneration as a discrete trait in mammals

Thomas R. Gawriluk, Jennifer Simkin, Katherine L. Thompson, Shishir K. Biswas, Zak Clare-Salzler, John M. Kimani, Stephen G. Kiama, Jeramiah J. Smith, Vanessa O. Ezenwa and Ashley W. Seifert ()
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Thomas R. Gawriluk: University of Kentucky
Jennifer Simkin: University of Kentucky
Katherine L. Thompson: University of Kentucky
Shishir K. Biswas: University of Kentucky
Zak Clare-Salzler: University of Kentucky
John M. Kimani: University of Nairobi
Stephen G. Kiama: University of Nairobi
Jeramiah J. Smith: University of Kentucky
Vanessa O. Ezenwa: Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia
Ashley W. Seifert: University of Kentucky

Nature Communications, 2016, vol. 7, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Abstract Why mammals have poor regenerative ability has remained a long-standing question in biology. In regenerating vertebrates, injury can induce a process known as epimorphic regeneration to replace damaged structures. Using a 4-mm ear punch assay across multiple mammalian species, here we show that several Acomys spp. (spiny mice) and Oryctolagus cuniculus completely regenerate tissue, whereas other rodents including MRL/MpJ ‘healer’ mice heal similar injuries by scarring. We demonstrate ear-hole closure is independent of ear size, and closure rate can be modelled with a cubic function. Cellular and genetic analyses reveal that injury induces blastema formation in Acomys cahirinus. Despite cell cycle re-entry in Mus musculus and A. cahirinus, efficient cell cycle progression and proliferation only occurs in spiny mice. Together, our data unite blastema-mediated regeneration in spiny mice with regeneration in other vertebrates such as salamanders, newts and zebrafish, where all healthy adults regenerate in response to injury.

Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11164

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