Retinoic acid signals axolotl limb regeneration

Scientists have discovered that retinoic acid, a substance found in acne treatments, signals axolotl cells to regenerate limbs, offering a key to understanding limb regeneration. Researchers found that retinoic acid dictates which body parts axolotl cells regrow after injury, similar to its role in human embryo development. Genetically modified axolotls that glow green when retinoic acid is active were used to study this process. This research could lead to new human healing methods by understanding how to activate the appropriate genes at the right time, potentially using gene therapy to heal wounds and prevent scarring.