Nailing down digit regeneration

摘要

The regrowth of digit tips in mice and humans is a remarkable example of mammalian organ regeneration. Nevertheless, this ability is very limited: digits never regenerate when amputated beyond the nail. Mayumi Ito and colleagues provide new insight into this process, by showing that the mechanisms governing nail stem-cell differentiation in mice are directly coupled to their ability to orchestrate digit regeneration. Nail progenitors located distal to the nail stem-cell region undergo differentiation into nail in a process dependent on Wnt signalling. Wnt signalling activation is also required for nail regeneration and for attracting nerves that promote regeneration of the entire digit after amputation. The authors suggest that nail stem cells might be used for developing new treatments for amputees.