Levels of cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP in regenerating forelimbs of adult newts following denervation

Suppressors of cGAS-STING are downregulated during fin-limb regeneration and aging in aquatic vertebrates

During the early stages of limb and fin regeneration in aquatic vertebrates (i.e., fishes and amphibians), blastema undergo transcriptional rewiring of innate immune signaling pathways to promote immune cell recruitment. In mammals, a fundamental component of innate immune signaling is the cytosolic DNA sensing pathway, cGAS-STING. However, to what extent the cGAS-STING pathway influences regeneration in aquatic anamniotes is unknown. In jawed vertebrates, negative regulation of cGAS-STING activity is accomplished by suppressors of cytosolic DNA such as Trex1, Pml, and PML-like exon 9 (Plex9) exonucleases. Here, we examine the expression of these suppressors of cGAS-STING, as well as inflammatory genes and cGAS activity during caudal fin and limb regeneration using the spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) and axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) model species, and during age-related senescence in zebrafish (Danio rerio). In the regenerative blastema of wounded gar and axolotl, we observe increased inflammatory gene expression, including interferon genes and interleukins 6 and 8. We also observed a decrease in axolotl Trex1 and gar pml expression during the early phases of wound healing which correlates with a dramatic increase in cGAS activity. In contrast, the plex9.1 gene does not change in expression during wound healing in gar. However, we observed decreased expression of plex9.1 in the senescing cardiac tissue of aged zebrafish, where 2'3'-cGAMP levels are elevated. Finally, we demonstrate a similar pattern of Trex1, pml, and plex9.1 gene regulation across species in response to exogenous 2'3'-cGAMP. Thus, during the early stages of limb-fin regeneration, Pml, Trex1, and Plex9.1 exonucleases are downregulated, presumably to allow an evolutionarily ancient cGAS-STING activity to promote inflammation and the recruitment of immune cells.

Control of blastema cell proliferation by possible interplay of calcium and cyclic nucleotides during newt limb regeneration

The effects of the divalent cation ionophore A23187, papaverine, and chlorpromazine on the mitotic index and cyclic nucleotide levels in newt limb regeneration blastemata (Notophthalmus viridescens) were assessed. The results of the experiments suggest that an intracellular increase in divalent cation (Ca2+) concentration results in elevated cGMP levels, suppressed cAMP levels, and a corresponding increase in blastema cell proliferation. The results also suggest that the converse conditions, namely, calcium efflux or inhibition of calmodulin activation (i.e., inhibition of Ca2+ binding), yields elevated cAMP levels, suppressed cGMP levels, and a corresponding decrease in blastema cell divisions.

Effect of insulin on cyclic nucleotide levels and promotion of mitosis by insulin and ionophore A23187 in cultured newt blastemata

The levels of cyclic GMP (cGMP) and cyclic AMP (cAMP) were assayed, using radioimmunoassay, in newt blastemata cultured with and without insulin. Our observations show that insulin significantly increases the levels of cGMP over the control values, whereas the levels of cAMP remain unaltered. Our in vitro studies also show that Ca2+-carrying ionophore A23187, albeit capable of promoting blastema cell proliferation, is unable to replace the insulin effect. The possible role of cGMP and Ca2+ as mediators of insulin action in regeneration is discussed.

Effects of denervation and delayed amputation on forelimb regeneration in Xenopus laevis froglets

Left forelimbs of postmetamorphic Xenopus laevis froglets were repeatedly denervated prior to and following amputation. Amputations were performed 14, 21, 28, or 42 days after the original denervation. A tissue-regenerative response resulting in the formation of a spike-shaped, heteromorphic outgrowth was found in the sham-denervated and control animals, but dedifferentiation of the stump tissues was not apparent. Tissue-regenerative outgrowths were not observed in the denervated cases; instead, dermal wound healing and stump and scar formation occurred. In both control and experimental cases, however, a periosteal proliferative response to amputation injury led to the development of a greatly thickened periosteum the length of the amputated radius-ulna as well as a cap of cartilage at the distal end of these bones. We conclude from these results that forelimbs of postmetamorphic froglets are incapable of adjusting to a prolonged nerveless state sufficient to allow the normal tissue-regenerative response of spike outgrowth formation.