Antlers May Have Stem Cell Significance

Antlers May Have Stem Cell Significance

Deer (and moose, elk, etc.) antlers are the only known mammal organ to regenerate. As such, they hold interest for researchers on stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. (For an interesting article on the biology of antlers, see the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources white-tailed deer fact sheet.) A press release from the Royal Veterinary College in London reports that antler regeneration may use stem cells and could be similar to the processes used in limb development:

The research suggests that unlike the regenerative process in the newt, antler growth does not involve reversal of the differentiated state but is stem cell based. Antler growth appears to involve specific stimulation of the necessary stem cells present in the locality. If we can understand how deer have adapted the normal means of development, cell renewal and repair to redevelop a complete organ, it may be possible to achieve the same outcome in damaged human tissues.

The research also suggests that there may be no specific molecules for antler regeneration but rather that the growth molecules may be those used by all animals. Hormones, nutrition, and other environmental factors are known to be important in antler growth and development. Researchers hope to identify how these elements interact with the stem cell signaling pathways to cause new antler growth. (Cell signaling is communication between cells, by various chemical signals.)