The axolotl: A surprising amphibian.
Andrea Garma, . Updated
Brief introduction to axolotls.
Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) are salamanders endemic to Xochimilco (a borough of Mexico City). They stand out from other salamanders as they live with a condition called neoteny (preservation of larval characteristics, such as their tadpole-like dorsal fin). However, in special cases, an axolotl can complete metamorphosis and emerge from the water. In addition to being extremely adorable, they are not as small as you might think, since they can reach 15 to 30 cm in length, and live up to 15 years. At present, axolotls are classified as "Critically Endangered" on the IUCN Red List, with a currently declining population trend.
Amazing skills.
Beyond the data mentioned in the brief introduction to axolotls, these animals stand out for their fascinating regenerative abilities, which is why they have become the favorite amphibian of the current scientific community. The Axolotl can regenerate severed limbs, wounds, organs and tissues, even its spinal cord, brain, eyes and heart, all without leaving scars!
The regenerative process of a limb amputation would take an axolotl just a few weeks to complete, forming epithelium, bones, muscles, nerves, skin, absolutely everything. They can even repair their spinal cord so that it works as if it had never been damaged.
How do they do that?
The answer to this question is somewhat complicated. Naturally, the reason is hidden in its DNA, however, the axolotl has 32 billion base pairs of DNA, 10 times more than the human genome. However, last year, Melissa Keinath, a fellow at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Baltimore, in conjunction with a research team, was able to perform an astonishing genetic mapping of more than 100,000 parts of DNA, which they compared with genetic material from tiger salamanders -the closest relative of axolotls- and in this way, it was possible to glimpse which sequences were typical of smiling amphibians, among them, it was revealed that 25 genes are suspected to be related to tissue regeneration.
It was also discovered that reactive oxygen species (ROS), small molecules that form naturally during oxygen metabolism, are an important element in axolotl regeneration.
We hope you enjoyed this article and that science will soon be able to find more answers about the incredible abilities of this charming animal. Until then… keep feeding your brain with more Science Cookies!