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Tail loss and telomeres: consequences of large-scale tissue regeneration in a terrestrial ectotherm
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 05:29 authored by Luisa FitzpatrickLuisa Fitzpatrick, Olsson, M, Laura ParsleyLaura Parsley, Pauliny, A, Geoffrey WhileGeoffrey While, Erik WapstraErik WapstraLarge-scale tissue regeneration has potential consequences for telomere length through increases in cell division and changes in metabolism which increase the potential for oxidative stress damage to telomeres. The effects of regeneration on telomere dynamics have been studied in fish and marine invertebrates, but the literature is scarce for terrestrial species. We experimentally induced tail autotomy in a lizard (Niveoscincus ocellatus) and assessed relative telomere length (RTL) in blood samples before and after partial tail regeneration while concurrently measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The change in ROS levels was a significant explanatory variable for the change in RTL over the 60-day experiment. At the average value of ROS change, the mean RTL increased significantly in the control group (intact tails), but there was no such evidence in the regenerating group. By contrast, ROS levels decreased significantly in the regenerating group, but there was no such evidence in the control group. Combined, these results suggest that tail regeneration following autotomy involves a response to oxidative stress and this potentially comes at a cost to telomere repair. This change in telomere maintenance demonstrates a potential long-term cost of tail regeneration beyond the regrowth of tissue itself.
Funding
Australian Research Council
History
Publication title
Biology LettersVolume
15Issue
7Article number
20190151Number
20190151Pagination
1-5ISSN
1744-9561Department/School
School of Natural SciencesPublisher
The Royal Society PublishingPlace of publication
United KingdomRights statement
Copyright 2019 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.Repository Status
- Restricted