Scientists find ‘holy grail’ of genes that could regrow human limbs
Scientists have identified genes SP6 and SP8 that play a crucial role in limb regeneration across species including axolotl salamanders, zebrafish, and mice. Using CRISPR gene-editing, researchers were able to switch regeneration abilities on and off, and partially restore bone regrowth in mice. The findings suggest that humans may retain ancient genetic programs for regeneration that could potentially be reactivated in the future.
- ▪Researchers studied axolotl salamanders, zebrafish, and mice to identify shared genetic programs for regeneration.
- ▪The genes SP6 and SP8 were found to control regenerative abilities, with CRISPR editing used to disable and partially restore limb regrowth.
- ▪Humans cannot naturally regrow limbs, but the study suggests dormant regeneration pathways may still exist from 350 million years ago.
- ▪The research was a collaboration between Wake Forest University, Duke University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- ▪Over 65 million people worldwide live with limb amputations, and this discovery could one day lead to regenerative therapies.
- ▪Gene-editing technology has shown potential to reactivate regenerative capabilities in mammals, pointing to future human applications.
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US News Scientists find ‘holy grail’ of genes that could regrow human limbs By Jeanne Erickson Published May 16, 2026, 9:44 a.m. ET It sounds like science fiction, but scientists may have just taken a giant step toward a future where amputees regrow real limbs. Researchers studying axolotl salamanders, zebrafish and mice say they’ve uncovered a powerful set of genes that appear to control regeneration itself. The breakthrough, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could one day help scientists develop therapies that regrow living tissue, bone and even entire arms and legs in humans. 3 The Mexican axoloti, shown here in Wake Forest University biologist Josh Currie’s regeneration lab, may be the key to limb regeneration in humans, according to new research.
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