Regeneration is the process by which some creatures regrow lost body parts such as the tail or limbs, and axolotls are some of the best at it. Scientists now have their genome sequence that may be the key to mimicking the regeneration process in humans.
Until now, scientists had not been able to assemble axolotls genome sequence in the right order. In fact, just years ago, it was thought to be an impossible feat because of their complex genomes, thereby making the analysis of the creatures’ incredible regeneration capabilities close to impossible as well. Furthermore, while they share many of their genes with humans, theirs are 10 times larger.
But now, scientists from the University of Kentucky have finally completed axolotl genome sequence, making it the first genome of that size to be assembled to date. What’s more, they say that they were able to do so using a cost-effective and accessible method, opening up the possibility of doing it with the genomes of other animals as well.
Armed with axolotl genome information, the scientists are now hoping to use it to understand how they regenerate their body parts, and hopefully, eventually use the information they will gather to mimic it in humans. For instance, it may be used in developing new treatments for spinal cord injuries, stroke, and many other ailments.
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