Data from: Comparative analysis of ear-hole closure identifies epimorphic regeneration as a discrete trait in mammals

Why mammals have poor regenerative ability has remained a long-standing
question in biology. In regenerating vertebrates, injury can induce a
process known as epimorphic regeneration to replace damaged structures.
Using a 4-mm ear punch assay across multiple mammalian species, here we
show that several Acomys spp. (spiny mice) and Oryctolagus cuniculus
completely regenerate tissue, whereas other rodents including MRL/MpJ
‘healer’ mice heal similar injuries by scarring. We demonstrate ear-hole
closure is independent of ear size, and closure rate can be modelled with
a cubic function. Cellular and genetic analyses reveal that injury induces
blastema formation in Acomys cahirinus. Despite cell cycle re-entry in Mus
musculus and A. cahirinus, efficient cell cycle progression and
proliferation only occurs in spiny mice. Together, our data unite
blastema-mediated regeneration in spiny mice with regeneration in other
vertebrates such as salamanders, newts and zebrafish, where all healthy
adults regenerate in response to injury.