Decode the phenomenon of tail-growing lizards

People have long been fascinated by the ability of lizards to lose and regrow the tail. Until now, scientists have identified the gene that activates the lizard's new tissue growth , after it sacrifices the tail to escape the predator.

Scientists believe that this "genetic formula" could lead to the recovery of human muscles and nerves.

Scientists from the University of Arizona (USA) have used gene sequencing technology to study this process of the green Anole lizard with the scientific name Anolis carolinensis.

Photo: commons.wikimedia.org

Daily Mail quoted Professor Kenro Kusumi said that basically, lizards can share a toolbox about genes like humans. Lizard is an animal that has a close relationship with humans about the ability to regenerate the body's appendage.

The scientists found that, at least 326 genes in specific areas of tail regeneration, including those involved in embryonic development, reactions to hormonal signals and cures heal.

Some other animals include salamanders, tadpoles, fish that can regenerate the tail and sometimes their limbs. They all use the so-called 'Wnt path' , which provides the molecular signals needed to control stem cells in many tissues, including the brain, hair follicles and blood vessels. However, the model of lizards is more unique to the development of the tail.

Elizabeth Hutchins, co-author of the study, published in the journal Public Library of Science One , said regeneration is not an immediate process, in fact lizards need 60 days to recover the tail. Lizards form a complex regenerative structure with cells that grow into tissues at some locations along the tail.

Dailly Mail quoted Professor Kusumi as saying that in the future, by following the regenerative genetic formula found in lizards, scientists could exploit similar genes in cells. Human, then helps regrow muscles, new cartilage and even spinal cord nerves.