Axolotl genome could be crucial in the fight against cancer

The Ambystoma mexicanum or Mexican Axolotl has the largest genome ever sequenced with 32 billion base pairs , a characteristic that has wondered scientist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico ( UNAM ).

Scientists believe the repeated sequences may help in the treatment of several conditions associated with cancer and aging , thus axolotls giant genome may become crucial in the fight against cancer in the near future.

“It is constituted by a series of identical DNA fragments repeated hundreds of thousands of times. It is a very particular genome composition in which there is little gene density, thus, understanding its organization was a real challenge," explained Felix Recillas-Targa , Director of the Institute of Cellular Physiology at UNAM .

The Axolotl is an amphibian endemic to the lacustrine system of the Valley of Mexico , which has the ability to regenerate both muscle and bone, and even nerves.

Saving a legendary aquatic monster

It should be noted that it is impossible for the axolotl genome to work in human limb regeneration, yet it is being studied as it may have a possible application in human tissues in the healing process .

Overall, this study examines the physiology of several cellular processes, such as the rate in the formation of cancerous tumors , among others.

Axolotl, key to tissue regeneration

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