Scientists find ‘holy grail’ of genes that could regrow human limbs
Researchers from Wake Forest University, Duke University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison identified two genes, SP6 and SP8, that control regeneration in axolotl salamanders, zebrafish, and mice, offering potential for future human limb regrowth therapies. The study, published in *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, suggests humans may retain dormant regenerative programs from 350 million years ago that could be reactivated through gene therapy.
A team of scientists has discovered two key genes, Specificity Protein 6 (SP6) and SP8, that regulate limb regeneration in axolotl salamanders, zebrafish, and mice. The research, published in *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, involved labs from Wake Forest University, Duke University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, led by biologist Josh Currie, plastic surgeon David A. Brown, and regeneration expert Kenneth D. Poss. When SP8 was removed using CRISPR, axolotls and mice lost their ability to regrow limb bones, but partial restoration was achieved with new DNA-altering techniques, hinting at therapeutic potential for humans. Axolotls can regrow entire limbs, tails, and even parts of organs like the heart and brain, while zebrafish regenerate fins, hearts, and other tissues. Mice, like humans, can regrow digit tips under certain conditions, suggesting evolutionary similarities. The study proposes that humans may still possess ancient regeneration programs dormant for 350 million years, which could be reactivated through gene therapy. Over 1.5 million amputations occur annually, primarily due to diabetes complications, leaving 65 million people worldwide with limb loss. The findings could pave the way for therapies to regrow living tissue, bone, and entire limbs. Currie noted that gene therapy may complement broader solutions to address limb regeneration in humans. The breakthrough builds on prior research using CRISPR and DNA-editing tools to explore regeneration mechanisms. While axolotls and zebrafish exhibit near-perfect regeneration, mammals like mice and humans show limited regenerative abilities, often restricted to minor tissue repair. The study’s focus on SP6 and SP8 marks a critical step toward unlocking human regenerative potential.
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