Mammalian Skin Regeneration: An Interesting Tale of Two Models and 2Mechanisms Within the spectrum of mammalian biology, skin regenerative potential is a particularly fascinating topic crystallized by two outliers: mammals within the first three trimesters (fetuses) and Acomys spiny mice.
Fetal Regeneration Mechanisms
As we saw in the first post, one of the most fascinating behaviors of mammalian fetuses is its capacity to regenerate its skin with outstanding efficiency during early gestation. The rare ability of SOCS to regenerate results in no scars on the skin when they are healing a dermal wound, fully re-establishing epidermis and dermis. These differences in cellular mediators and growth factors, such as immune-related cytokines applied to recruit yolk-sac type mechanisms, are demonstrated in contrast to adult mammals. This capacity is lost during gestation, leaving to take place scarring rather than the regeneration123.
Acomys: The Spiny Mouse Model
Another great model for regeneration of the skin are Acomys (spiny mice). This process, which leaves little scar tissue, is a rare capability among adult mammals. Only by specialized cellular mechanisms that promote fast healing and regeneration with little or none of the “problems” commonly observed in wound healing by other mammal (45).
Comparative Insights
Fetal models as well as Acomys present an invaluable and important avenue for understanding these processes of dermal skin regeneration, both post-natally and during the course of development. Studies have shown clear differences in cytokine profiles, as well extracellular matrix properties during fetal vs. adult wound healing (2–4). Conversely, studies on Acomys have identified possible mechanisms to augment regenerative potential also in humans4,23,24.skin regeneration (ad)
In addition to a deeper understanding of mammalian biology, the unique regenerative processes employed by some species present us with attractive targets for therapeutic strategies aimed at optimizing wound-healing.
