bioRxiv Science⌕ Search
Home/Archive/bioRxiv

bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.08.05.742898

Extracellular matrix particle treatment induces digit regeneration in soft-tissue preserved amputation (SPA) model of adult mice

Liu, Y.·Li, B.·Bao, C.·Zeng, L.·Wang, Z.·Sun, X.·Sun, G.
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

BackgroundIn mouse classic amputation model, second phalanx (P2) is incapable of regeneration. Extracellular matrix (ECM) solution has shown limited ability to induce digit regeneration in classical amputation model of the murine digit. However, the effect of solid ECM particles on bone regeneration is not well understood due to difficulties in treating solid particles in classical amputation model. MethodsWe examined the regenerative effects of ECM particles in mice digit by establishing a soft tissue preserved amputation (SPA) model on P2, through removing the amputated bone whilst preserving soft tissue. ECM particles implanted into the amputation site and wrapped in the preserved soft tissues. Bone regeneration was assessed by morphological examination and micro-CT scans. ResultsWe observed bone regeneration in the SPA model; specifically, new bone formed at the P2 distal end. Implantation of ECM particles exerted a pro-regenerative effect, characterized by increased bone volume and decreased bone density. Moreover, the ECM induced the formation of free-floating bone, further supporting its role in bone regeneration. Combined treatment with ECM particles and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) resulted in a significant increase in bone volume. ConclusionsWe demonstrate that soft tissue preservation at the amputation site can overcome the intrinsic regenerative limitationsl. Using SPA model, we found that ECM particles have a proven ability to promote bone regeneration, and that the combination of ECM particles with BMP2 further enhances bone regeneration. These findings underscore the therapeutic promise of ECM-based strategies, for clinical translation in non-regenerative finger injuries. Summary statementSolid-state Extracellular matrix can induce mice digit regeneration and has the potential for clinical application. HighlightsThe SPA model we developed enables ECM particles to adhere to wounds, and our research has found that: O_LIDigit bone regeneration was shown in SPA model . C_LIO_LIECM particles treatment promoted bone regeneration and can generate free-floating bone in SPA model. C_LIO_LICombination of ECM + BMP2 treatment induced strong digit regeneration in SPA model. C_LI

Explore related subjects

cell biologyPreprint

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Liu, Y., Li, B., Bao, C., Zeng, L., Wang, Z., Sun, X., Sun, G.. 2026-08-06. Extracellular matrix particle treatment induces digit regeneration in soft-tissue preserved amputation (SPA) model of adult mice. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.08.05.742898

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related preprints

bioRxiv2026

Nucleosome Core Allostery Governs Chromatin Recognition and Cell Fate

Nucleosomes regulate chromatin folding, accessibility, and factor recruitment. Current models primarily attribute these functions to histone tail modifications, while the core is largely viewed as a structural scaffold. Yet subtle changes within the nucleosome core can produce profound functional consequences, and the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. Here, we describe nucleosome core allostery as a fundamental principle of chromatin regulation that amplifies the impact of minimal nucleosome variations. Leveraging natural differences between H2A.Z variants, we show that the nucleosome core encodes distinct conformational dynamics that propagate allosterically, thereby controlling nucleosome accessibility and recognition by chromatin factors. As a result, a single buried amino acid substitution alone is sufficient to reprogram nucleosome dynamics and bias cell identity. Our findings establish the nucleosome core as an allosteric regulatory module and provide a generalizable framework for how subtle variation within nucleosomes is amplified into diverse biological outcomes in development and disease.

cell biology↗
bioRxiv2026

SOX4 Reprograms Adipose Stromal Cells into a Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-like State to Drive Metabolic Disease

Pathogenic adipose tissue remodeling promotes metabolic disease in obesity, but the mechanisms that establish this unhealthy tissue state remain poorly understood. Here, we show that obesity drives SOX4-dependent reprogramming of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) into cancer-associated fibroblast-like (CAF-like) cells that promote adipose tissue dysfunction. TGF{beta} signaling is elevated in obesity and activates SOX4 in mouse and human MSCs, inducing their conversion to a CAF-like state. In mice, MSC-specific SOX4 activation induces the CAF-like program and exacerbates adipose tissue inflammation and glucose intolerance, whereas Sox4 deletion attenuates inflammation and improves glucose homeostasis during obesity. We further identify the growth factor Midkine (MDK) as a SOX4-regulated paracrine effector produced by CAF-like cells. MDK inhibition in obese mice reduces adipose tissue inflammation and improves metabolic function. Together, these findings define a TGF{beta}-SOX4-MDK stromal signaling axis that drives pathological adipose tissue remodeling in obesity and highlight this pathway as a potential therapeutic target for improving metabolic health.

cell biology↗
bioRxiv2026

PDLIM5 Modulates YAP1 Localisation and Fibrogenic Gene Expression in Hepatic Stellate Cells

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the key cellular drivers of liver fibrosis. During liver injury and chronic inflammation HSCs adopt an activated phenotype and secrete fibrotic extracellular matrix (ECM) components such as collagen 1. Mechanical cues derived from the fibrotic ECM drive and support the activation of HSCs, via mechanisms that involve integrins and the mechano-sensitive transcriptional regulator YAP1. It is not yet well understood how external mechanical cues are translated into a molecular response that alters YAP1 nuclear shuttling. There is evidence that suggests the PDZ and LIM domain protein (PDLIM) 5 can regulate YAP1 shuttling in human epithelial cells. We therefore investigated whether PDLIM5 is expressed in HSCs and contributes to YAP1 associated HSC mechano-activation. PDLIM5 protein was detected in HSCs in fibrotic human and mouse liver. PDLIM5 transcript and protein were expressed by primary human and mouse HSCs and by the immortalised HSC LX-2 cell line. PDLIM5 localised with actin stress fibres suggesting a role in HSC adhesion. Co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation in LX-2 cells support an association between PDLIM5 and YAP1. We used pharmacological (paclitaxel) and genetic (siRNA and CRISPRi) approaches to inhibit PDLIM5 in HSCs. Inhibiting PDLIM5 reduced YAP1 nuclear localisation and fibrotic gene (COL1A1, ACTA2) expression in LX-2 cells. Overall, these data support a role for PDLIM5 in regulating YAP1 localisation and fibrogenic gene expression in HSCs.

cell biology↗