Research into regenerating MRL mice is attracting more attention and more funding these days; a better understanding of the biochemistry involved in mammalian regeneration of organs may just lead to impressive therapies for injury and some forms of age-related damage in humans. "Although most mammals cannot restore tissue efficiently [the] MRL mouse can regenerate a portion of the ear as well as its heart tissue following injury. ... researchers aim to prove that mammals can form the required progenitor cells for regeneration just as a salamander does. By studying salamanders and MRL mice, the researchers hope to identify the specific types of cells, molecular signals, genes and cellular scaffolding required for regenerative cell growth. In essence, they seek as comprehensive an understanding as possible of the mechanisms and processes - to obtain the blueprint for regenerative growth."

Link: http://unews.utah.edu/p/?r=050306-6