Tail Tales: What We Have Learned About Regeneration from Xenopus Laevis Tadpoles

This review examines the regenerative capacity of Xenopus laevis tadpoles, particularly their ability to regenerate complex tail structures, including the spinal cord, muscle, and skin. It highlights the importance of key signaling pathways, such as those involving reactive oxygen species, BMPs, and FGFs, in the regeneration process. The review also discusses the roles of mechanotransduction, epigenetic regulation, and metabolic changes in tissue repair. By comparing Xenopus laevis with other species, the review provides insights into the evolutionary loss of regenerative abilities and emphasizes the value of Xenopus laevis as a model for understanding tissue repair constraints in higher organisms. The findings suggest future research directions with potential applications in regenerative medicine.