Chemical Genetics of Regeneration: Contrasting Temporal Effects of CoCl2 on Axolotl Tail Regeneration

This study investigates how a chemical, CoCl2, impacts tail regeneration in axolotls, particularly when combined with another chemical, romidepsin, which inhibits regeneration. They found that timing of CoCl2 exposure is critical: brief exposure can partially reverse romidepsin's effects, but prolonged exposure inhibits regeneration or is lethal. The researchers observed that CoCl2's negative effects on regeneration were only present when applied shortly after tail amputation, before the wound had closed. This suggests a specific window of vulnerability during the early stages of regeneration. Gene expression analysis revealed that CoCl2 alters the expression of genes related to stress, inflammation, and oxygen levels, especially when applied during this sensitive window. This indicates that CoCl2 disrupts the normal cellular processes needed for successful regeneration.

• 1
  CoCl2 can partially rescue the inhibitory effect of romidepsin on tail regeneration when co-administered for 1 minute post-amputation (MPA).
• 2
  Prolonged CoCl2 treatment (0-30 MPA) inhibits tail regeneration and causes tissue damage, tissue loss, and cell death at the distal tail tip.
• 3
  CoCl2 treatment significantly increases levels of glutathione and reactive oxygen species, depending on the duration of exposure.