Finger Regeneration: Stem Cells In Fingernails May Be Key To Regrowing Limbs, Scientist... - 0 views
-
Melissa Menghini on 12 Aug 13A groundbreaking discovery in the mice ability to regenerate the tips of their digits leaves scientists hopeful for human regeneration in the future. Researches have found that as long as enough of the nail remains, any amputated digit tip has the capability to regrow. This process can be performed because of the colony of stem cells present under the nail base; however, this process can only proceed if enough of the nail epithelium remains on the amputated digit. The process that occurs after amputation starts with the activation of the Wnt pathway in the epithelium located underneath the remaining nail. After the nerves are attracted to the area, FGF2 (protein) directs the nerves into growing mesenchymal cells, cells used for regrowth. However, if too much of the digit is amputated, too much epithelium is lost, the Wnt pathway is never activated, and there is no regeneration. On another note, humans and mice are somewhat related to amphibians in their regeneration abilities; this further gives scientists hope for human regeneration in the future. The opposing side argues why humans differ from salamanders, and points out the flaws in this scientific discovery.