NOT SCI-FI

‘Recipe’ for Lizard Tail Regrowth Found

Same genes could be harnessed in human cells.

Humans are one step closer to regrowing lost limbs. Researchers at Arizona State University announced that they found a genetic “recipe” for how lizards regrow their tails. “Using next-generation technologies to sequence all the genes expressed during regeneration, we have unlocked the mystery of what genes are needed to regrow the lizard tail,” said lead author Kenro Kusumi, a professor of Life Sciences. “By following the genetic recipe for regeneration that is found in lizards, and then harnessing those same genes in human cells, it may be possible to regrow new cartilage, muscle or even spinal cord in the future.” Kusumi and his team found more than 320 genes that lizards, the animal most closely related to humans that can grow back appendages, turn on when regenerating.