Deer Antlers: A Model of Mammalian Appendage Regeneration - An Extensive Review

The review highlighted that deer antlers served as a unique model for mammalian appendage regeneration, contrasting with the limited regenerative abilities in other mammals. Antler regeneration was identified as a stem cell-based process, with stem cells located in the pedicle periosteum, and shared some signaling pathways with other vertebrate regeneration processes. However, unlike amphibian limb regeneration, antler regeneration did not rely heavily on wound epidermis signaling. The minimal scarring during antler regeneration presented potential insights for reducing human scar formation, and the resistance of antlers to malignant transformation offered avenues for cancer research. Overall, understanding antler regeneration could inform regenerative medicine, particularly in stimulating human limb regeneration.