Biodome project: Biophysical regulation of murine digit and tail regeneration.

摘要

Amphibian species such as urodeles are capable of spontaneously regenerating amputated appendages by the formation of a blastema of undifferentiated cells that goes on to reform the injured structure. During epimorphic regeneration, rapid wound closure is followed by dedifferentiation of limb cells and leads to the redevelopment phase; epimorphic regeneration can also occur among higher vertebrate, such as the digit tip in mouse and humans. The purpose of the BioDome Project is to systematically study the effects of biophysical and biochemical factors of murine tissue regeneration through membrane potential-altering treatments and external electrical stimulations. The BioDome Project focused on both murine digit regeneration and murine tail regeneration. The BioDomes were vessels responsible for delivering pharmaceutical agents, while enabling external DC currents to penetrate the wound core. The initial BioDome designed for digit amputation experiments were composed of multiple rigid-components, while future designs focused on soft bodied materials and light protective sheath, used in BioDome Tail Models. While the BioDome Project was a pilot study, implementation of the BioDome system enhanced the rate of reepitheliazation, promoted advanced hair follicle formation and promoted bone remodeling in several murine subjects; these processes were necessary for preliminary epimorphic regeneration.