Molecular Signatures of Regenerating Blastema Cells -Analysis of gene expression patterns in regenerating newt limbs compared to human/murine stem cells to learn to equip induced pluripotent stem cells with regenerative capacities.

• Applicant: Dr. Pia Kuss
• Subject Area: Developmental Biology
• Term: from 2012 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 226263252

Limb regeneration in salamanders is a fascinating phenomenon where amputated extremities are not only replaced properly, but the correct spatial pattern is rebuilt as well. At the amputation site cells dedifferentiate to form a mixture of cells derived from all affected tissues called blastema. This proposal comprises the establishment of the molecular signature of isolated blastema cells by transcriptome analysis and examination of their differentiation potential in vitro and in vivo, by implantation studies, as blastema cells rebuild musculoskeletal structures during limb regeneration. The differentiation potential of isolated blastema cells will be compared with known signatures of human and mouse stem cells. Having the hypothesis that newts use a novel set of genes, distinct from those in mammalians to mount a robust regenerative response to injury and amputation, the identification of a new gene expression pattern is expected. This will provide unique insights into the question why salamanders are able to regenerate any body part, while mice or humans cannot. These data will enable future studies on epigenetic modifications for identified molecular signatures and will also guide efforts to reprogram mouse and human stem cells with the goal to equip them with novel regenerative capacities.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Dr. José Millán, Ph.D.