Citation

Leigh ND, Sessa S, Dragalzew AC, Payzin-Dogru D, Sousa JF, Aggouras AN, Johnson K, Dunlap GS, Haas BJ, Levin M, Schneider I, Whited JL. 2020. von Willebrand factor D and EGF domains is an evolutionarily conserved and required feature of blastemas capable of multitissue appendage regeneration. Evolution & development. 22(4):297-311. Pubmed: 32163674 DOI:10.1111/ede.12332

Abstract

Regenerative ability varies tremendously across species. A common feature of regeneration of appendages such as limbs, fins, antlers, and tails is the formation of a blastema-a transient structure that houses a pool of progenitor cells that can regenerate the missing tissue. We have identified the expression of von Willebrand factor D and EGF domains (vwde) as a common feature of blastemas capable of regenerating limbs and fins in a variety of highly regenerative species, including axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), lungfish (Lepidosiren paradoxa), and Polpyterus (Polypterus senegalus). Further, vwde expression is tightly linked to the ability to regenerate appendages in Xenopus laevis. Functional experiments demonstrate a requirement for vwde in regeneration and indicate that Vwde is a potent growth factor in the blastema. These data identify a key role for vwde in regenerating blastemas and underscore the power of an evolutionarily informed approach for identifying conserved genetic components of regeneration.
© 2020 The Authors. Evolution & Development published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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Jessica Whited studies limb regeneration in axolotl salamanders. Her lab develops tools to manipulate gene expression during limb regeneration, and explores signaling events following wound healing that initiate the regenerative process.

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