First published online March 9, 2007
Development 134, 703e (2007)
© The Company of Biologists Limited
Turning up the voltage on regeneration
In certain contexts, voltage gradients and ion flows are known to regulate
developmental patterning, but their precise role has remained ambiguous. Now,
Michael Levin and colleagues report on the role of the V-ATPase H+
pump in Xenopus tail regeneration. Cells in an uncut tail have normal membrane
potential levels. However, following the amputation of the tail, the
regeneration bud becomes depolarised
(p. 1323). Shortly
after, V-ATPase expression is triggered, leading to H+ flux and to
the rapid repolarisation of these cells. The genetic or biochemically induced
loss of V-ATPase activity prevents tail regeneration, but not as a consequence
of apoptosis. Axon patterning and tail outgrowth are restored if H+
flux is induced. This fascinating study shows that ion flows do not simply
perform housekeeping duties and that, during Xenopus tail regeneration,
H+ flux controls both cell number (through membrane voltage) and
correct axon guidance (nerves are a known growth-factor source) into the
regenerative bud. Ion pumps provide a tantalising target for future biomedical
research into regeneration.
Related articles in Development:
- H+ pump-dependent changes in membrane voltage are an early mechanism necessary and sufficient to induce Xenopus tail regeneration
- Dany S. Adams, Alessio Masi, and Michael Levin
Development 2007 134: 1323-1335.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
