News stories Monday tell of wild speculation by some scientists that humans may one day be able to regrow limbs. This after work at Harvard University uncovered the DNA switch that controls genes for whole-body regeneration. It’s called the early growth response gene or EGR. As we know, animals achieve extraordinary feats of repair. The breakthrough in understanding this occurred with discovery of a section of non-coding or “junk” DNA in three-banded panther worms. The DNA controls the activation of this “master control gene” (or EGR). Humans also carry EGR, and produce it when cells are stressed and need repair. Yet it does not seem to trigger large-scale regeneration. Scientists think the master gene is wired differently in humans, and are trying to find a way to tweak its circuitry to reap its regenerative benefits.
Hope it works to replace teeth as well.