Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have managed to sequence the giant genome of a salamander, the Iberian ribbed newt, which is a full six times greater than the human genome.
Amongst the early findings is a family of genes that can provide clues to the unique ability of salamanders to rebuild complex tissue, even body parts. The study is published inĀ Nature Communications.
This is the first time that an entire newt genome has been sequenced, an achievement that can give rise to new discoveries on the amphibian’s ability to recreate brain neurons as well as entire body parts. Amongst the first findings are a multitude of copies of a certain microRNA group, which in mammals is mainly found in embryonic stem cells, but also in tumour cells.
“It will be exciting to figure out how regeneration in the adult organism re-activates embryonic genes,” says study leader Professor AndrĆ”s Simon at Karolinska Institutet’s Department of Cell and Molecular Biology. “What’s needed now are functional studies of these microRNA molecules to understand their function in regeneration. The link to cancer cells is also very interesting, especially bearing in mind newts’ marked resistance to tumour formation.”
Even though the abundance of stem cell microRNA genes is quite surprising, it alone cannot explain how salamanders regenerate so well. Professor Simon predicts that the explanation lies in a combination of genes unique to salamanders and how other more common genes orchestrate and control the actual regeneration process.
One of the reasons why salamander genomes have not been sequenced before is its sheer size – six times bigger than the human genome in the case of the Iberian newt, which has posed an enormous technical and methodological challenge.
“It’s only now that the technology is available to handle such a large genome,” says Professor Simon. “The sequencing per se doesn’t take that long – it’s recreating the genome from the sequences that’s so time consuming.”
“We all realised how challenging it was going to be,” recounts first author Ahmed Elewa, postdoctoral fellow at the same department. “But the very fact that it was such a challenge made it all the more exciting.”
The group at Karolinska Institutet is now engaging with other researchers to discover what can be learned from the newt genome and test new hypotheses through systematic comparisons with mammals.
“We showed ten years ago that salamanders can recreate all the cells that die in Parkinson’s disease in the space of four weeks,” says Professor Simon. “We can now delve deeply into the molecular processes underlying this ability. Although we’re doing basic research, our findings can hopefully lead to the development of new regenerative strategies for humans.”
Learn more:Ā Salamander genome gives clues about unique regenerative ability
The Latest on: Regenerative medicine
[google_news title=”” keyword=”regenerative medicine” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
- New prototype that regenerates stem cells may repair IPF scarringon April 26, 2024 at 10:42 am
Researchers developed NZ-97, an inhalable drug that stimulates the growth of stem cells in the lungs, potentially repairing scarring in IPF.
- Regenerative Medicine Market Size Expected to Reach USD 154.05 Bn by 2033on April 26, 2024 at 8:10 am
The global regenerative medicine market size is expected to reach around USD 154.05 billion by 2033 increasing from USD 29.42 billion in 2023, growing at a healthy CAGR of 18% from 2024 to 2033.Ottawa ...
- ROSM can help reduce pain & enhance mobilityon April 26, 2024 at 2:00 am
Struggling with pain that limits your mobility? ROSM in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area offers advanced treatments to help you get back to daily activity!
- Hybrid brain lets one species' neurons help out another'son April 25, 2024 at 9:53 pm
Adding rat stem cells to a mouse embryo resulted in a āhybrid brainā in which the rat cells stepped in to restore function when the mouseās sense of smell was removed, new research has shown. Itās the ...
- Cabinet approves two bills on regenerative medicineon April 25, 2024 at 9:00 am
The draft regenerative medicine bill stipulates that only government-certified medical institutions can administer such treatments, with individuals or organizations that administer them without ...
- Is Telepathy Possible? Perhaps, Due To New Technologyon April 24, 2024 at 11:00 am
Telepathy is generally considered pure science fiction; fun, but never something that will actually happen. But new research suggests we may be closer than we think.
- LSU researchers develop syringe device for enhanced stem cell therapyon April 24, 2024 at 6:00 am
LSU researchers led by veterinary medicine professor Mandi Lopez have introduced a groundbreaking syringe device that could revolutionize tendon injury treatment.
- What Is Drug Repurposing And Why Is It A Game-Changer In Regenerative Medicine?on April 23, 2024 at 7:55 am
Repurposed drugs have already undergone rigorous testing for safety and efficacy in other medical conditions. It enables researchers to fast-track their investigations, saving time and resources.
- How Regenerative Medicine Can prevent Autism Spectrum Disorder, Expert Explainson April 22, 2024 at 11:51 pm
Central to regenerative medicine's approach to treating autism is the rejuvenation of damaged neural networks. Stem cell therapies hold promise for replenishing depleted or dysfunctional neural ...
- Kansas Regenerative Medicine Center celebrates 10 years of transformative healthcareon April 18, 2024 at 11:29 am
Milestone achieved by Kansas Regenerative Medicine Center as the organizations marks 10 years of helping patients.
viaĀ Google News and Bing News