Date of Event:​ March 3, 2017 ​ Location: ​Bonner Hall @ University of California, San Diego

Group or Entity Sponsoring Event:​ Special Section Seminars

Topic of the Lecture/Seminar: ​Investigating Limb Regeneration in the Axolotl Salamander

by Jeff Nelson of Morgridge Institute for Research, University of Wisconsin

What was the main point of the presentation/research?

Postdoctoral researcher, Jeff Nelson, was presenting his recent lab findings. Dr.

Nelson had been recently investigating the use of stem cells and he wanted to find a way to

implement such research on humans. For some time, he had been focusing on limb

regeneration within the Axolotl Salamander and found various genes that his lab thinks they

can turn on/off if wanted for regeneration. He wants to use such ideas and further this

process by examining the possible “on/off genes” in a human.

What did you learn?

I learned about salamanders in general - especially the Axolotl Salamander. I had not

known that they could regenerate their limbs efficiently. I was also impressed with what

research was being done. I would have never thought that scientists would already be testing

stem cells through such applications (ie. salamanders). I thought it was very cool how the

experimentation and research behind stem cells is steadily progressing.

What impact or applications can come from this work?

Dr. Nelson did mention that his lab think they may have found certain genes they

could turn on/off in order to regenerate a specified limb. They plan on continuing this work

and to conduct further examines in order to make sure their results are valid. If their

findings and hypothesis is correct, they hope to conduct potential studies on humans with

stem cells. The goal is to use stem cells on humans and humans ultimately regenerate limbs

that wounded, in such way, acting much like the Axolotl Salamander.

What further questions do you have?

I want to know how will they practice their studies on humans. Will they practice on

already wounded people? Dr. Nelson also mentioned he worked with CRISPR a bit which

had me further interested, but I am now curious as to whether that worked or not. Will the

practice of regeneration on humans continue with stem cells or CRISPR or will the studies

continue simultaneously?
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