A Characterization of Axolotl Digit Regeneration: Conserved Mechanisms, Divergent Patterning, and a Critical Role for Hedgehog Signaling.

ABSTRACT: Axolotl digits offer an experimentally versatile model for studying complex tissue regeneration. Here, we provide a comprehensive morphological and molecular characterization of digit regeneration, revealing both conserved features and notable divergences from classical limb regeneration. Digit blastemas progress through similar morphological stages, are nerve-dependent, contain key regenerative cell populations, and express many canonical morphogens and mitogens. However, they exhibit minimal expression of the A-P patterning genes Shh, Fgf8, and Grem1; suggesting distal outgrowth and patterning occur independently of these signals. Joint regenerative fidelity varies significantly across digits and cannot be explained by differences in nerve supply, cell proliferation, or dif

SUBMITTER: Griffiths JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12157609 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature