Hormone Discovery in Starfish May Unlock Limb Regeneration Secrets

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have identified a hormone, 'ArSK/CCK1', responsible for a starfish's limb-shedding ability. This discovery not only highlights a survival mechanism but also offers potential insights into regenerative medicine for humans. The hormone triggers muscle tension, causing limb detachment to evade predators.

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have pinpointed the hormone responsible for enabling starfish to shed their limbs to escape predators. Known as 'ArSK/CCK1', this hormone mirrors the one controlling appetite in humans.

When the hormone is released under stress, it causes a muscle at the base of a starfish's arm to tense, leading to the limb breaking off. The study, involving the common European starfish Asterias rubens, uncovers crucial aspects of autotomy—a survival strategy where animals detach body parts to evade threats.

Published in Current Biology, this research provides key insights into tissue regeneration processes. By understanding starfish autotomy, researchers hope to make advances in regenerative medicine and develop new treatments for limb injuries in humans, said lead researcher Maurice Elphick.

(With inputs from agencies.)