Limb blastema formation: How much do we know at a genetic and epigenetic level?

Regeneration of missing body parts is an incredible ability which is present in a wide number of species. However, this regenerative capability varies among different organisms. Urodeles (salamanders) are able to completely regenerate limbs after amputation through the essential process of blastema formation. The blastema is a collection of relatively undiffer-entiated progenitor cells that proliferate and repattern to form the internal tissues of a regenerated limb. Understanding blastema formation in salamanders may enable comparative studies with other animals, including mammals, with more limited regenerative abilities and may inspire future thera-peutic approaches in humans. This review focuses on the cur-rent state of knowledge about how limb blastemas form in salamanders, highlighting both the possible roles of epigenetic controls in this process as well as limitations to scientific un-derstanding that present opportunities for research.

Automated summary

Regeneration of body parts is a remarkable ability found in many species, but its capacity varies across organisms. Urodeles, specifically salamanders, can completely regenerate limbs through blastema formation, a process involving undifferentiated progenitor cells that proliferate and rearrange to form internal tissues. Understanding limb blastema formation in salamanders can facilitate comparative studies with mammals and inspire therapeutic approaches in humans. This review focuses on the current knowledge about salamander limb blastema formation, exploring the potential role of epigenetic controls and highlighting research opportunities.