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Loss and gain of regeneration function in Xenopus laevis hind limbs
Author(s) -
Nye Holly Lawrence Doolittle,
Huff Alison,
Cameron Jo Ann
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.5.a146-d
Subject(s) - tarsus (eyelids) , blastema , amputation , tibia , regeneration (biology) , anatomy , xenopus , fibula , biology , cartilage , in vivo , surgery , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , biochemistry , eyelid
We observed predictable patterns of stages 55–57 Xenopus tibia‐fibula and tarsus site regeneration performance. Re‐amputation through the original amputation site 7 days after the first amputation increased skeletal element histolysis and production of periosteal cartilage. Whole limb regeneration scores were improved by an average factor of 1.7 in the tibia‐fibula and 1.9 in the tarsus amputation sites. In vivo electroporation of stage 57 tibia‐fibula and tarsus blastemas with a Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) expression plasmid increased the average number of proliferating cells in the blastema tip by 30% and increased whole limb regeneration scores by average factors of 1.8 and 1.9. We developed a tarsus bone extirpation model in Xenopus froglets to simulate large limb skeletal defects. After amputation distal to the extirpated tarsus followed by in vivo electroporation with the Shh plasmid, 85% of the samples regenerated a metatarsal, joints, and muscle tissue distal to the plane of amputation. All of these improvements in regeneration are modest but statistically significant, indicating that further improvement of regeneration in regeneration‐deficient Xenopus limbs is highly feasible.