Transcriptomic analysis of tail regeneration in the lizard Anolis carolinensis reveals activation of conserved vertebrate developmental and repair mechanisms

The goal of regenerative therapies is to be able to recreate entire functional units, including muscle groups, tendons, cartilage, motor and sensory nerves, skin, and connective tissue. All of these tissues are regenerated during regrowth of the tail in the lizard, which is the closest animal to humans with this capacity. Building on an extensive genomic infrastructure now available for the lizard, this study has identified novel and specifically regulated genes that direct regeneration.