Tissue regeneration is a fascinating, scar-free healing response that can be found in varying degrees across the animal kingdom. Previous studies have shown that macrophages play an important role in regeneration, including lens regeneration in the Pleurodeles waltl. We wanted to explore the unique dynamics between inflammation and macrophages during the lens regeneration process.Lens removal […]
C02: Elucidating the role of Hippo/YAP pathway in retina regeneration competence
The retina plays a crucial role in the vision process by capturing light and transferring it to the brain as an electric signal where the images are formed. Thus, Retinal diseases are one of the main causes of vision impairment and blindness that can occur from diabetes-related side effects, glaucoma, retinal degeneration, and other eye […]
C25: Regenerative Hallmarks of Aging: Insights Through the Lens of Pleurodeles Waltl
Cataracts can cause blindness and affects mostly older individuals. Traditionally, treatment for cataracts is an invasive ophthalmological procedure in which the lens of the eye is replaced by a physician. However, exploration of regeneration-competent vertebrates, such as the newt Pleurodeles waltl (P. waltl) has offered exciting models to study natural, in vivo lens regeneration. Regarded […]
A52: Retina Regeneration in the Spanish Newt
Millions of Americans suffer from visual impairment diseases including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. These diseases affect the retina, a layer of cells in the posterior portion of the eye that is responsible for transmitting signals to your brain through photoreceptors that allow you to see. Our lab focuses on regenerating the retina and […]
A14: Understanding Retinal Regeneration through the Analysis of Integrated Pathways of the Embryonic Chick
There is a substantial segment of the human population that suffers from visual impairments due to common retinal ailments such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and visual decline with age. However, humans lack the ability to regenerate damaged retinal tissue; therefore, research exploring gene regulation in regenerative animals can provide important insight to combat retinal […]
A15: Eye of Newt: The Role of Macrophages in Lens Regeneration
Regeneration is a fascinating injury response that can be found widely across the animal kingdom. Previous studies have shown that macrophages are required for successful regeneration in a variety of different species and tissues. We wanted to investigate if macrophages have a role to play in lens regeneration in the Spanish newt. To do this, […]
BRIV-01: Establishing an Ex-Vivo System to Study Newt Retina Regeneration via RPE Reprogramming
The study of retina regeneration in animal models has been of interest due to the implication it has in developing potential treatments for retinal diseases such as macular degeneration. Newts are excellent models to study regeneration because they retain the ability to regenerate their retina into adulthood. The process by which newts regenerate their retina […]
C01: In-vivo Imaging of Newt Lens Regeneration: Novel Insights in Molecular, Cellular, and Functional Mechanisms
Adult newts are amazing animals that are able to regenerate many parts of their body. Lens regeneration is one of the most significant among all other forms of regeneration in the newt since the lens is able to repeatedly regenerate a perfectly functional lens regardless of injury, frequency of lens removal, or newt’s age. Optical […]