Salamander Gene Could Help Humans Regrow Lost Limbs

A gene found in salamanders could one day help humans regrow lost limbs, a breakthrough that sounds like science fiction but is gaining real scientific traction.

Researchers at Wake Forest University are studying how a shared genetic program drives regeneration across species, including mice, zebrafish, and axolotls. Their findings were published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"This significant research brought together three labs, working across three organisms to compare regeneration," said Josh Currie, in a news release. He's a Wake Forest Assistant Professor of Biology, whose lab studies the Mexican axolotl salamander. "It showed us that there are universal, unifying genetic programs that are driving regeneration in very different types of organisms, salamanders, zebrafish and mice."

Globally, more than 1 million amputations occur each year due to diabetes, trauma, cancer, and severe infections, according to the annual Global Burden of Disease statistics.

Axolotls

The Mexican axolotl, a small, aquatic salamander, can regrow entire limbs, along with parts of its heart, brain, and lungs.

Zebrafish

Zebrafish can regenerate organs like the heart, spinal cord, and even parts of the brain.

Mice

Even mice and humans retain a limited version of this ability, capable of regrowing fingertip tissue under the right conditions.

"Scientists are pursuing many solutions for replacing limbs, including bioengineered scaffolds and stem cell therapies," Currie explained. "The gene-therapy approach in this study is a new avenue that can complement and potentially augment what will surely be a multi-disciplinary solution to one day regenerate human limbs."

Although human limb regeneration is still far off, researchers say gene-based therapies could eventually become part of a broader toolkit, including stem cells and bioengineered tissues aimed at restoring what was once thought permanently lost.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 1:52 PM.