Two-Growth-Factor Trick Sparks Regeneration in Mice, Skipping Scar Formation

A two-step treatment using growth factors FGF2 and BMP2 reprograms fibroblasts at wound sites to form a blastema-like structure in mice, enabling bone, ligaments and skin to regrow rather than scar. While not a perfect replica of the original anatomy, the approach suggests regeneration in mammals can be steered away from scarring and toward rebuilding tissue, with potential to improve healing after amputations; BMP2 is FDA-approved for certain uses and FGF2 is in clinical trials, possibly speeding translation to humans.