Researchers at Texas A&M University have shown that mammals may possess dormant abilities to regrow complex body parts. A new two-step treatment redirected healing in mice away from scarring toward tissue regeneration. The approach restored bone, joints, ligaments and tendons after amputation.
Scientists applied fibroblast growth factor 2 after initial wound healing, followed days later by bone morphogenetic protein 2. This sequence prompted formation of a blastema-like structure and subsequent regrowth of multiple tissues in the animals.
Dr. Ken Muneoka, a professor in the Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, said the work shows that fibroblasts at injury sites can be redirected from scar formation. "Regenerative failure in mammals can be rescued," he stated.
Dr. Larry Suva noted that the cells involved are already present and capable of regeneration once properly signaled. The study, published in Nature Communications, used growth factors already approved or under clinical evaluation.
The findings indicate that mammalian regeneration may depend on activating existing pathways rather than introducing external stem cells.
