Regenerationsfähigkeit

Regenerationsfähigkeit refers to the biological capacity of an organism to regrow or repair damaged or lost tissues, organs, or limbs. This ability varies significantly across the animal kingdom, from simple organisms like planarians, which can regenerate from tiny fragments, to more complex animals like salamanders that can regrow limbs and even parts of their brains. Humans possess a limited regenerative capacity, primarily focused on wound healing and the regeneration of certain tissues like skin, liver, and bone.

The mechanisms underlying regeneration are complex and involve a coordinated interplay of cell division, differentiation, and pattern formation. Stem cells often play a crucial role, acting as undifferentiated cells that can give rise to various specialized cell types needed for repair. Understanding the molecular and cellular pathways that govern regeneration in organisms with high regenerative abilities holds significant potential for advancing regenerative medicine in humans, aiming to restore function to damaged or diseased tissues and organs. Research in this field explores ways to stimulate or mimic natural regenerative processes.