An Ear for an Ear, but Only if You Are a Deomyinid

This study investigates the regenerative abilities of rodents, focusing on the Deomyinae subfamily, which includes spiny mice known for their remarkable tissue regeneration capabilities. Researchers conducted ear punch assays on 11 rodent species across 5 families, revealing that only Deomyinae members, such as Acomys and Lophuromys, could regenerate complex tissues like cartilage, muscle, and skin. This suggests that complex tissue regeneration evolved uniquely in this subfamily after diverging from gerbils around 18 million years ago. The findings highlight the potential for genomic comparisons to uncover genetic and cellular mechanisms behind regeneration, emphasizing the importance of exploring diverse species for biological insights.