Epimorphic Regeneration of Salamander Limbs
When an adult salamander limb is amputated, the remaining cells are able to reconstruct a complete limb, with all its differentiated cells arranged in the proper order. In other words, the new cells construct only the missing structures and no more. For example, when a wrist is amputated, the salamander forms a new wrist and not a new elbow. In some way, the salamander limb “knows” where the proximal-distal axis has been severed and is able to regenerate from that point on.
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The microenvironment influences gene expression so that the behavior of a cell is largely determined by its interactions with the extracellular matrix, neighboring cells, and soluble local and systemic cues. We describe the essential roles of context and organ structure in directing mammary gland development and differentiated function and in determining the response to oncogenic insults, including mutations. We expand on the concept of “dynamic reciprocity” to present an integrated view of development, cancer, and aging and posit that genes are like the keys on a piano: Although they are essential, it is the context that makes the music
The structure of a tissue or organ is critical for its function. Loss of tissue architecture is a prerequisite for, and one of the defining characteristics of, most cancers. Conversely, normal organ architecture can act as a powerful tumor suppressor, preventing malignant phenotypes even in cells stricken with gross genomic abnormalities (Mintz & Illmense 1975, Howlett et al. 1995, Weaver et al. 1997, Wang et al. 2002, Kirshner et al. 2003).
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AND WHERE CAN IT BE USED?
Stem cells:
Stem cells & Menstrual Blood. Photo courtesy of:newsfromrussia.com
