The Genomic Secret of the Mexican Axolotl: Could Its DNA Transform Human Healing?

Many species possess amazing powers; some have the capacity to live forever, while others have the capacity to heal humans rapidly. One such animal that is renowned for regenerating back its amputated limbs is the Mexican axolotl. By introducing its gene into people, scientists at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology in Vienna discovered that some injured organs, including the bones, might mend in as little as one week.

According to a recent BBC report, scientists have revealed that the Mexican axolotl, a species that lives in the country’s lakes, has the capacity to regenerate. This lizard-like species is not limited to its watery home; it can also survive on land. It may totally regenerate, including bones, nerves, and flesh, within a week if any of its organs are left intact. This is comparable to examples of spinal cord injuries that have been documented.

Its unique quality is its capacity to regenerate not only its limbs but also its brain, heart, and lower jaw, returning them to full function. After the healing process, there are no discernible scars, unlike wounds on humans.

The Mexican axolotl’s capacity for regeneration has been shown by recent studies. This organism can regrow its telencephalon, or front portion of the brain, after being sliced in half. It reconnects its spinal cord machinery, restoring function to its legs and tail, in around three weeks. In addition, the axolotl exhibits testicular regeneration.

Its quick wound healing is one of its most remarkable qualities. The axolotl can heal wounds in a matter of hours, although humans may need many weeks to do so.

Scientists have uncovered the cause of the Mexican axolotl’s extraordinary skills. Their research reveals that this organism has a genome that is nearly 10 times bigger than that of humans, with over 32 billion DNA base pairs.

The information included in a Nature magazine story comes from research done by experts at the Vienna-based Research Institute of Molecular Pathology. The story states that scientists think people may be able to help restore missing limbs by receiving certain axolotl genes.