Mechanical Principles of vertebrae regeneration

The backbone, or vertebral column, is a segmented structure crucial for vertebrate body support and movement. During embryonic development, these segments form in a highly conserved process known as somitogenesis. This process is fundamentally similar across various vertebrate species, from fish to mammals. However, recent research suggests that the formation of vertebrae may not always depend on somitogenesis, especially during regeneration. This observation raises the possibility that alternative, as yet unknown, mechanisms drive vertebrate segmentation independent of somitogenesis, particularly during regeneration. The axolotl, a salamander species with remarkable abilities to regenerate presents an exceptional opportunity to investigate these alternative mechanisms. Unlike many other vertebrates, axolotls can regenerate complex body parts, including the tail and limbs, throughout their lifespan. Axolotls can even regenerate segmented vertebrae after losing their tail or in response to localized injuries to the vertebral column. This remarkable ability makes the axolotl a compelling model for studying how vertebrae can be formed and patterned without relying on the embryonic process of somitogenesis. We hypothesize that mechanical forces and the way cells sense and respond to these forces (a process called mechano-sensation) are central to this somite-independent formation of vertebrae. In this project, we will analyse the process of vertebrae patterning during regeneration at the level of gene expression. We will also study the material properties of cartilage and vertebrae and assess how changes to stiffness sensing or the material properties affect the regenerative response. This research project holds significant implications for our understanding of the evolution of body plans and the mechanisms of regeneration. The findings could potentially contribute to the development of innovative therapeutic approaches for spine degeneration and injuries.

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