From Healer Mouse to Healer Soldier. The Blastema Project
Abstract
Our studies in the MRL mouse have shown that this mouse has unusual healing properties. This includes the closure of ear hole wounds which is not seen in any other mouse strain. This form of healing has many features that are similar to those seen in the regeneration of amphibian limbs. In amphibian models, it was shown that de-differentiation of mature cells contributes to the blastema and the growth of a new limb. It was of interest to determine if similar processes were at work in this mammalian model of regeneration. We explored several issues: 1) the ability of the regenerate environment to induce de-differentiation and re-differentiation of mature cells, 2) the ability of factors from the regenerate tissue to affect differentiation of cells in vitro, and 3) the induction of a blastema or events leading to blastema formation in a non-regenerating strain of mouse. Results in all of the experiments indicated that many of the same processes were in fact important in this mouse and its healing response.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 26, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA423039
Entities
People
- Ellen Heber-Katz
Organizations
- Wistar Institute