A Novel Fracture Lattice in Spiny Mouse Skin Facilitates Tissue Autotomy and Regeneration

    March 2026 in “ bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) ”
    D.-H. Ko, Yeong Chan Ryu, Jaehoon Choi, Eunu Kim, Hyunji Cha, Soyun Joo, Seunghwan Ryu, Hyemin Ryu, Sungwook Shim, Ho‐Joon Lee, Seulki You, Jiwon Lim, Jie Tong, Ping Lu, Sooil Chang, Junsu Kim, Ji Won Oh, Ann M. Clemens, Ashley W. Seifert, S.C. Hong, Haeshin Lee, Gi-Dong Sim, Heok Yang
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    TLDR Spiny mice have a unique skin structure that helps them heal and regenerate quickly.
    Researchers have discovered a unique honeycomb-like fracture lattice in the skin of spiny mice (Acomys) that facilitates both tissue autotomy and regeneration. This lattice, composed mainly of collagen VI, consists of a 3D array of hexagonal units that guide tissue breakage and promote regenerative healing. The structure preconditions the tissue for autotomy, reducing inflammation and enhancing a pro-regenerative gene signature, which accelerates skin appendage regeneration. Spiny hairs play a crucial role in the formation of this fracture lattice, as their inhibition leads to abnormal patterning and altered skin fracture mechanics. This study highlights a novel structural adaptation in mammalian skin that links tissue patterning, autotomy, and regeneration, with potential applications in artificial skin and organ engineering to improve resilience and regeneration.
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