Limb Regeneration

The functional relationship between genome size and cell cycle kinetics in the regulation of salamander limb regeneration

In spite of limited genomics data for salamanders, we do know that much of the “excess” DNA is localized to introns, resulting in exceptionally large transcription units. Given the well-established relationship between the control of growth and pattern formation in regenerating limbs, we propose a mechanism whereby regulation of cell cycle kinetics by growth factors/morphogens directly regulates expression of pattern formation genes required for successful regeneration. There is a need for increased genomics research to better understand the broad applicability of such a mechanism for other regenerating, as well as non-regenerating organisms.