Some species successfully repair retinal injuries in contrast to non-regenerative mammalian retina. We show here that the Mexican axolotl salamander regrows its excised retina even in adulthood. During early regeneration, cell proliferation occurred in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). All dividing cells expressed Vimentin, and some also expressed Müller glia and neural progenitor cell marker Glast (Slc1a3), suggesting that regeneration is driven by RPE-derived retinal progenitor cells. Bulk RNA sequencing showed that genes associated with the extracellular matrix and angiogenesis were upregulated in early-to-mid retinal regeneration. The fully regenerated retina re-established nerve projections to the brain and contained all the original retinal cell types, including Müller glia. Regeneration of cellular diversity may be modulated by Notch signaling, as inhibiting Notch signaling in early regeneration promoted production of rod photoreceptors. Our study highlights the axolotl salamander as an advantageous model of adult tetrapod retinal regeneration and provides insights into its mechanisms.SummaryWe demonstrate that adult Mexican axolotl salamanders regenerate retinas after a retinectomy. We also show some cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive axolotl retinal regeneration.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.