Prof. Anna Jazwinska Müller Research Group, University of Fribourg ^{Research Labs}

Injuries to human organs, such as the limbs and the heart, result in persistent pathologic conditions. By contrast, zebrafish can completely reconstitute parts of their fins, hearts, retinas and spinal cords. Regeneration in zebrafish predominantly relies on the intrinsic plasticity of mature tissues. This property involves activation of the remaining tissue at the site of injury to promote cell division, cell migration and replacement of the missing structures. Which biological mechanisms guide the mature cells through the regeneration process? How do systemic factors modulate this process? Do regenerative programs of different organs rely on conserved mechanisms? In the research of the Jazwinska Research Group, they address these questions focusing on heart and fin regeneration in zebrafish. Their methods rely on pharmacological approaches and transgenic animals.