Molecular mechanisms underlie fin ray regeneration in both adult and juvenile bichirs

Distinct molecular mechanisms underlie fin ray and fin lobe regeneration in bichirs. The Senegal bichir can efficiently and accurately regenerate not only its fin rays but also the fin lobe endoskeleton of paired appendages, which bears homology to the endoskeleton in tetrapod limbs. Whether similar regenerative strategies are employed during fin ray and fin lobe regeneration remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the morphological and molecular underpinnings of bichir fin ray regeneration via histology and transcriptome sequencing, and compared to those occurring during fin lobe regeneration.