Spiny mice (Acomys): a novel and perspective model for research of heart regeneration and development of regenerative technologies

While reparative regeneration of the heart is robust in lower vertebrates (fish and newts), this capacity is extremely limited in mammalian heart. This regenerative failure prevents recovery from extensive damage and underlies pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases contributing to mortality in developed countries (ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure). Addressing this challenge requires deciphering the regenerative mechanisms of complex organs and tissues, including myocardium, to enable development of novel technologies aimed at stimulation of endogenous regenerative program. Adult spiny mice (Acomys) have capacity for complete regeneration of skin, cartilage and skeletal muscles, as well as almost complete regeneration with minimal fibrosis of kidneys, spinal cord, and heart. This opens new perspectives for research of regeneration, particularly myocardial regeneration. This review is devoted to tissue regeneration (skin, ear pinna, skeletal muscles, kidneys, and spinal cord) in Acomys and house mice (Mus musculus). A particular emphasis is placed on Acomys heart regeneration and mechanisms proposed to explain this exceptional mammalian capability. Spiny mice (Acomys) may be a unique model for discovering mechanisms of regeneration in complex organs and tissues, particularly in the heart. Insights from this model hold significant potential for translation into novel therapeutic strategies to stimulate regeneration in humans.