Mapping of a gigantic salamander genome reveals secrets of regeneration

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Jan. 29, 2025, an international team of researchers led by the Karolinska Institutet announced they have mapped the genome of the Iberian ribbed newt and revealed how the composition and organization of the DNA are linked to its ability to regenerate entire body parts.

Salamanders are known for their unique ability to regenerate entire body parts and for their resistance to tumor development. The molecular mechanisms behind these traits have been difficult to study due to a lack of knowledge about the composition of their genome.

By using advanced sequencing methods, the researchers have been able to determine the exact positions of both protein-coding and non-coding sequences on each chromosome. This has given them knowledge about how certain non-coding DNA sequences shape the genome’s composition and how these are regulated when an arm regrows.

The next step in the research is to focus on functional studies, where the researchers will manipulate molecular processes to determine how these affect the regenerative ability. They also plan to conduct comparative studies with other species to further understand these mechanisms.

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Source: Karolinska Institutet
Credit: Photo: Iberian ribbed newts, Courtesy: Budapest Zoo / Wikipedia.