De Novo Regeneration of Rete Ridges During Cetacean Skin Wound Healing

The study reveals that Fraser's Dolphin, a tight-skinned mammal, can regenerate complex rete ridge architecture with minimal scarring after large full-thickness skin wounds, even in high-tension environments. This finding is significant as it contrasts with the typical fibrotic repair seen in humans and other tight-skinned mammals. The dolphin's ability to regenerate under such conditions offers a unique opportunity to explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms that enable regenerative wound healing, potentially informing future regenerative medicine strategies.