Gene expression profile of the regeneration epithelium during axolotl limb regeneration

TLDR

Urodele amphibians uniquely regenerate missing limbs, with the regeneration epithelium (RE) being a key tissue. Microarray profiling of the axolotl RE identified 125 genes/ESTs with ≥1.5‑fold expression versus wound epidermis, and a subset was tracked over the regeneration time‑course. This is the first large‑scale identification of specific gene expression in the RE during limb regeneration. Developmental Dynamics 240:1826–1840, 2011; © 2011 Wiley‑Liss, Inc.

Abstract

Abstract Urodele amphibians are unique among adult vertebrates in their ability to regenerate missing limbs. The process of limb regeneration requires several key tissues including a regeneration‐competent wound epidermis called the regeneration epithelium (RE). We used microarray analysis to profile gene expression of the RE in the axolotl, a Mexican salamander. A list of 125 genes and expressed sequence tags (ESTs) showed a ≥1.5‐fold expression in the RE than in a wound epidermis covering a lateral cuff wound. A subset of the RE ESTs and genes were further characterized for expression level changes over the time‐course of regeneration. This study provides the first large scale identification of specific gene expression in the RE. Developmental Dynamics 240:1826–1840, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.