Some animals, such as the axolotl salamander, have the ability to generate large numbers of eggs--or oocytes--throughout life. Investigators who recently conducted detailed analyses of the axolotl provide insights on the mechanisms of ovarian regeneration that could assist regenerative medicine in treating pre-mature ovarian failure and reduced fertility in humans.
"Salamanders are famous for their ability to regenerate limbs, but it is unclear whether they can regenerate all organs. Our study shows that axolotl salamanders can regenerate significant portions of their adult ovary after traumatic injury, partly by activating an endogenous pool of egg stem cells," said Dr. James Monaghan, senior author of the STEM CELLS research.
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Stem Cells