Mammalian Digit Tip Regeneration: Moving from Phenomenon to Molecular Mechanism

Abstract

In this review, we present the current state of knowledge surrounding mammalian digit tip regeneration. We discuss the origin and formation of the blastema, a structure integral to digit tip regeneration, as well as recent insights driven by single-cell RNA sequencing into the molecular markers and cellular composition of the blastema. The digit tip is a composite of many different tissue types and we address what is known about the role of these separate tissues in regeneration of the whole digit tip. Specifically, we discuss the most extensively studied tissues in the digit tip: bone, nail epithelium, and peripheral nerves. We also address how known molecular pathways in limb development can inform research into digit tip regeneration. Overall, the mouse digit tip is an excellent model of complex mammalian regeneration that can provide insight into inducing regeneration in human tissues.