Regenerate-IT: Learning from animals how to regenerate: multidisciplinary training programme in regenerative biology; Teilprojekt 7

Spiny mice (Acomys) regenerate their skin, including hair follicles, and composite tissues containing cartilage, muscles and nerves, in a scar-free manner. In this project, we will identify and characterize novel gene functions that occurred as part of genomic innovations in spiny mice. We will use spatial transcriptomics and single-cell sequencing datasets in a comparative approach with spiny mice and their non-regenerating relatives, house mice (Mus) and gerbils (Meriones), to identify Acomys-specific gene expression patterns activated upon injury. The ultimate aim of the project is to find ways to activate regenerative traits in normally scarring/fibrotic injury models, such as mouse and human skin.