Mexican Axolotl's Genomic Secret: Can Its DNA Revolutionise Human Healing?

There are several creatures with incredible abilities, including some that can live forever and others that can heal people quickly. The Mexican Axolotl is one such creature known for regrowing its severed limbs. Researchers at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology in Vienna found that inserting its gene into humans could heal some damaged organs, with bones healing in just a week.

In a recent update from the BBC, researchers have discovered the regenerative abilities of the Mexican axolotl, a creature found in the lakes of Mexico. Apart from its aquatic habitat, this lizard-like creature can also thrive on land. If any of its organs remain intact, it can fully regenerate within just a week, including bones, nerves and flesh, similar to observed cases of spinal cord injuries.

What sets it apart is its capability to regrow not only its limbs but also its lower jaw, brain and even its heart, restoring them to full functionality. Unlike human wounds, there are no visible scars left behind after the healing process.

Recent research has unfolded the regenerative powers of the Mexican axolotl. When cut in half, this creature can regenerate its telencephalon, the front part of its brain. In about three weeks, it reconnects its spinal cord machinery, allowing its tail and legs to function again. Furthermore, the axolotl demonstrates regeneration of its testes.

One of its most notable abilities is its rapid wound-healing process. While humans may take weeks to heal wounds, the axolotl can achieve this in just a few hours.

Researchers have unveiled the reason behind the exceptional abilities of the Mexican axolotl. Their findings reveal that this creature possesses a significantly larger genome than humans, boasting around 32 billion DNA base pairs—approximately 10 times more than humans.

The details in a report published by Nature magazine, originate from studies conducted by scientists at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology in Vienna. According to the report, researchers believe that by transferring specific axolotl genes to humans, it might be possible to help regenerate lost limbs.