Characterization of regeneration initiating cells during Xenopus laevis tail regeneration

Characterization of regeneration initiating cells during Xenopus laevis tail regeneration. Sindelka R, Naraine R, Abaffy P, Zucha D, Kraus D, Netusil J, Smetana K Jr, Lacina L, Endaya BB, Neuzil J, Psenicka M, Kubista M. Genome Biol. 2024 Oct 1;25(1):251. doi: 10.1186/s13059-024-03396-3.

Abstract
Background: Embryos are regeneration and wound healing masters. They rapidly
close wounds and scarlessly remodel and regenerate injured tissue. Regeneration
has been extensively studied in many animal models using new tools such as single-
cell analysis. However, until now, they have been based primarily on experiments
assessing from 1 day post injury.
Results: In this paper, we reveal that critical steps initiating regeneration occur
within hours after injury. We discovered the regeneration initiating cells (RICs) using
single-cell and spatial transcriptomics of the regenerating Xenopus laevis tail. RICs
are formed transiently from the basal epidermal cells, and their expression signature
suggests they are important for modifying the surrounding extracellular matrix thus
regulating development. The absence or deregulation of RICs leads to excessive extra-
cellular matrix deposition and defective regeneration.
Conclusion: RICs represent a newly discovered transient cell state involved in the ini-
tiation of the regeneration process.