
Two-Protein Trick Sparks Partial Toe Regrowth in Mice
Texas A&M researchers coaxed mice toe regrowth by applying two signaling proteins—FGF2 to prime fibroblasts and BMP2 to drive blastema formation—enabling regeneration of bone, tendons, ligaments, and joints across multiple attempts. While imperfect and not yet tested in humans, the work suggests mammals may have latent regenerative potential and could inform future therapies; BMP2 is already used in reconstructive surgery and FGF2 is moving toward clinical use.






