Newly discovered regenerative cells may revolutionize wound healing

In nature, embryos showcase remarkable healing capabilities, often regenerating without any scars and even restoring missing body parts. Similarly, unborn fetuses exhibit a unique ability to heal without scarring, which is why some corrective procedures can be performed while the fetus is still in the womb. However, post-birth healing typically results in scar formation, likely as a rapid response mechanism critical for survival. Understanding the biological processes behind this phenomenon may lead to innovative treatments that promote healing without scars and potentially restore the ability to regenerate lost body parts.

Injury Triggers the Formation of Regeneration Initiating Cells

Frog tadpoles serve as an effective model for studying healing due to their remarkable ability to regenerate an amputated tail swiftly and efficiently, whereafter they temporarily lose this capacity to regain it shortly thereafter.

Utilizing advanced technologies such as single-cell profiling, the research team identified cells that are transiently formed in response to injury. These cells migrate to the wound surface, orchestrating the organization of other cells to regenerate the damaged tissue. Once their job is complete, they disappear. The researchers have aptly named these newly discovered cells Regeneration Initiation Cells (RICs). Notably, RICs are present only in tissues with regenerative capabilities; their removal results in the loss of this ability, leading to scar formation.

Radek Šindelka, lead author of the study from the Laboratory of Gene Expression at the Institute of Biotechnology, emphasizes the significance of this discovery: “We are now characterizing the RICs to develop treatments that can activate them in injured tissues, inducing scar-free healing and facilitating the regeneration of tissues that would otherwise produce a scar.”

While the timeline for developing such treatments remains uncertain, the potential impact of this research on healthcare and wound management is immense. The exploration of RICs may pave the way for revolutionary approaches to enhance healing processes and improve quality of life for individuals with serious wounds.

Link to publication: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13059-024-03396-3