Skin shedding and tissue regeneration in African spiny mice (Acomys)

Evolutionary modification has produced a spectrum of animal defense traits to escape predation, including the ability to autotomize body parts to elude capture(1,2). Following autotomy, the missing part is either replaced through regeneration (e.g. urodeles, lizards, arthropods, crustaceans) or is permanently lost (mammals). While most autotomy involves the loss of appendages (e.g. leg, cheliped, antennae, tail), skin autotomy can occur in certain taxa of scincid and gekkonid lizards(3). Here we report the first demonstration of skin autotomy in Mammalia (African spiny mice, Acomys). Mechanical testing revealed a propensity for skin to tear under very low tension and the absence of a fracture plane. Following skin loss, rapid wound contraction was followed by hair follicle regeneration in dorsal skin wounds. Surprisingly, we found regenerative capacity in Acomys extended to ear holes where they exhibited complete regeneration of hair follicles, sebaceous glands, dermis, and cartilage. Salamanders capable of limb regeneration form a blastema (a mass of lineage-restricted progenitor cells(4)) following limb loss, and our findings suggest that ear tissue regeneration in Acomys may proceed through assembly of a similar structure. This study underscores the importance of investigating regenerative phenomena outside of traditional model organisms and suggests that mammals may retain a higher capacity for regeneration than previously believed. As re-emergent interest in regenerative medicine seeks to isolate molecular pathways controlling tissue regeneration in mammals, Acomys may prove useful in identifying mechanisms to promote regeneration in lieu of fibrosis and scarring.