Science：我国学者破解哺乳动物再生能力丢失之谜，激活这个基因实现耳廓再生

Core Viewpoint - The research published in Science reveals that the insufficient expression of the Aldh1a2 gene leads to inadequate synthesis of retinoic acid (RA), which is the core mechanism behind the failure of ear regeneration in higher mammals like mice. Activating this gene or supplementing with RA can enable ear regeneration in mice [2][3][8]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study identifies Aldh1a2 gene expression deficiency as a critical factor in the failure of ear regeneration in mice, linking it to insufficient RA synthesis [3][8]. - By activating the Aldh1a2 gene or providing external RA, the research demonstrated successful regeneration of the ear in mice after injury [13][14]. - The research utilized advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing and spatiotemporal omics technology to compare regenerative processes between species with and without ear regeneration capabilities [7][15]. Group 2: Evolutionary Insights - The study highlights evolutionary differences, noting that rabbits, which can regenerate their ears, have multiple active enhancers near the Aldh1a2 gene that are not present in mice, leading to lower expression levels of this gene in the latter [11][17]. - The loss of enhancer activity in the evolutionary lineage of mice and rats explains their inability to regenerate ear tissue after injury [11][17]. - The research provides a theoretical basis for exploring organ reconstruction and regeneration in humans by understanding the mechanisms behind the loss of regenerative capabilities in higher mammals [15].