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. 2004 May 29;359(1445):785–793. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2004.1468

The scarless heart and the MRL mouse.

Ellen Heber-Katz 1, John Leferovich 1, Khamilia Bedelbaeva 1, Dmitri Gourevitch 1, Lise Clark 1
PMCID: PMC1693365  PMID: 15293806

Abstract

The ability to regenerate tissues and limbs in its most robust form is seen in many non-mammalian species. The serendipitous discovery that the MRL mouse has a profound capacity for regeneration in some ways rivalling the classic newt and axolotl species raises the possibility that humans, too, may have an innate regenerative ability. The adult MRL mouse regrows cartilage, skin, hair follicles and myocardium with near perfect fidelity and without scarring. This is seen in the ability to close through-and-through ear holes, which are generally used for lifelong identification of mice, and the anatomic and functional recovery of myocardium after a severe cryo-injury. We present histological, biochemical and genetic data indicating that the enhanced breakdown of scar-like tissue may be an underlying factor in the MRL regenerative response. Studies as to the source of the cells in the regenerating MRL tissue are discussed. Such studies appear to support multiple mechanisms for cell replacement.

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Selected References

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