10 Critters That Can Regrow Body Parts (and How They Do It)

7. Anoles: The Lizard Tail Regenerators

Anoles, a group of lizards found in the Americas, are famous for their ability to regenerate their tails after autotomy. In this process, the tail is voluntarily shed to escape predators. The regeneration of anole tails is a complex process that involves the formation of a blastema, a mass of undifferentiated cells that proliferate and differentiate to form new tissues. The regenerated tail, while not identical to the original, is functional and allows the lizard to continue its activities. Research on anole tail regeneration has revealed that the process is regulated by a combination of genetic and molecular signals, including the activation of the Wnt and FGF signaling pathways. These pathways regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and tissue patterning during regeneration. The study of anole tail regeneration has provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of tissue regeneration and repair, offering potential applications in regenerative medicine and spinal cord injury repair.