Lizard Genes Unlock Tissue Repair Secrets
Lizards regrow their tails using genes like Sox9. Scientists study these regenerative abilities to fix damaged heart tissue. Tests in 2023 showed a 15% increase in cardiomyocyte division in mice. The Salk Institute hopes to scale this for human heart repair within three years. People who currently need pacemakers might someday see their heart tissue heal itself thanks to lizard-inspired gene therapies. These reptiles activate dormant genetic pathways after injury that mammals possess but rarely use.