实验首次证明脊椎动物胸腺可“从零再生”

Core Insights - A new study reveals that vertebrates can regenerate a complex lymphoid organ, the thymus, from scratch without any tissue remnants, expanding the understanding of organ regeneration capabilities [1][2] - The research highlights the thymus's critical role in the immune system and its limited repair ability in most animals, which deteriorates with age, leading to decreased immune function [1] Group 1: Research Findings - The study, published in the journal Science Immunology, demonstrates the thymus regeneration ability of the Mexican axolotl, known for its limb regeneration [1] - The research team conducted a series of experiments, including precise thymectomy and high-resolution imaging, confirming the complete dynamic process of thymus regeneration [1] - After 35 days, the axolotl developed a new thymus that matched the original in morphology, cell types, and function [1] Group 2: Mechanisms and Implications - The research team utilized single-cell RNA sequencing to map the stages of thymus regeneration, identifying two signaling pathways as key to initiating this process: bone morphogenetic protein and a lesser-known "regeneration initiator" called midfactor [2] - The findings suggest potential therapeutic avenues for activating similar signaling pathways in humans, which could benefit children who have undergone thymus surgery, patients with specific immune deficiencies, and elderly individuals with declining immune function [2] - The study points to a new drug development pathway, with ongoing exploration of critical issues such as identifying "seed cells" that initiate regeneration, understanding how the size and location of the regenerated organ are precisely regulated, and verifying the effectiveness of related signaling pathways in mammals [2]