Mammalian regeneration!

[Lynnie]

So, how do we extract p21 from us mammals? Will this replace stem cell research?

 

[Douglas the Intrepid]

So, how do we extract p21 from us mammals? Will this replace stem cell research?

P21 is a gene that can be turned off. When it is turned off, the regeneration is turned on. Actually, its interesting that you mention stem cells. In normal healing a scab appears and the flesh heals by basically knitting together and when the scab falls off, you can be left with a scar. With regeneration a blastema forms instead of a scar. Within the blastema, normal cells are converted to their protean stem cell state. These stem cells then reform where the missing or damaged cells are as a perfect replacement. That is why healing is perfect without scars. This is basically stem cell therapy being performed by the body automatically!