The first spatiotemporal mapping of brain regeneration in axolotls
BGI-Research, a multi-institutional research team, has used BGI Stereo-seq to create the first spatiotemporal cellular map of axolotl brain development and regeneration (Ambystoma mexicanum). This atlas reveals how a brain damage can heal. This study was featured as the cover story of Science’s latest issue.
The team of researchers analyzed the regeneration and development of the salamander’s brain. They identified the neural stem cell subsets that are key to the regeneration process and described how these stem cell subsets can repair damaged neurons. The team found that brain development and regeneration share certain similarities. This provides assistance in cognitive brain development and offers new directions for regenerative medical research and treatment for the nervous system.
Unlike mammals, certain vertebrates can regenerate multiple organs including parts of their central nervous system. The axolotl is one of the few vertebrates that can regenerate not only organs like limbs and tails, but also skin, liver, eyes, and the brain. The axolotl has evolved more than other teleosts, like zebrafish. Its brain is also closer to that of mammals. This study used the axolotl to research brain regeneration.
Source:
https://phys.org/news/2022-09-spatiotemporal-brain-regeneration-axolotl.html
