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Abstract <p>The axolotl (<i>Ambystoma mexicanum</i>), a neotenic salamander native to Mexico, has developed as a model organism of exceptional interest in regenerative medicine and bio-inspired therapeutics. Unlike mammals, axolotls possess the ability to regenerate complex tissues and organs, including limbs, the heart, and the spinal cord, without scarring. This process is underpinned by a unique immune environment and the formation of a blastema. Central to their physiological resilience is the secretion of a complex skin mucus, rich in mucins, antimicrobial peptides, growth factors, and immunomodulatory proteins. Recent research has revealed that axolotl mucus not only provides robust antimicrobial protection but also exhibits anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and anticancer activities. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that axolotl mucus extracts can inhibit the growth of drug-resistant pathogens, accelerate wound closure, and target cancer cells, while exhibiting minimal cytotoxicity toward healthy breast tissue. Advances in genetic tools and disease modelling further establish the axolotl as a versatile preclinical model, offering insights that bridge basic biology and translational medicine. This review comprises current knowledge on the composition, bioactivity, and therapeutic potential of axolotl mucus, discusses the strengths and limitations of the axolotl as a biomedical model, and outlines future directions for clinical translation and ethical stewardship in the development of axolotl-inspired therapies.</p> Lay Summary <p>Axolotls are unique salamanders generally found in Mexico. It has the remarkable ability to regrow its body parts, such as the limbs, the heart, and the spinal cord, without scarring. The reason for this ability is generally due to their immune system and skin mucus. Researchers have found that the mucus contains natural compounds that help to fight against infections, promote wound healing, and may also support cancer management. Due to these properties, the axolotl is a valuable model organism for studying regeneration and for developing new bio-inspired therapeutic models. In this review, we have summarised the role of axolotl mucus and discussed how it may contribute to future medical therapies.</p>

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Axolotl as a Bio-Inspired Therapeutic Model: Role of Mucus in Disease Management and Advances in Preclinical Research

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月5日

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  • Kuleshwar Sahu,
  • Nikita Chhabra,
  • Rakesh Sahu,
  • Himanshu Chaurasia,
  • Kunjbihari Sulakhiya

摘要

Abstract

The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), a neotenic salamander native to Mexico, has developed as a model organism of exceptional interest in regenerative medicine and bio-inspired therapeutics. Unlike mammals, axolotls possess the ability to regenerate complex tissues and organs, including limbs, the heart, and the spinal cord, without scarring. This process is underpinned by a unique immune environment and the formation of a blastema. Central to their physiological resilience is the secretion of a complex skin mucus, rich in mucins, antimicrobial peptides, growth factors, and immunomodulatory proteins. Recent research has revealed that axolotl mucus not only provides robust antimicrobial protection but also exhibits anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and anticancer activities. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that axolotl mucus extracts can inhibit the growth of drug-resistant pathogens, accelerate wound closure, and target cancer cells, while exhibiting minimal cytotoxicity toward healthy breast tissue. Advances in genetic tools and disease modelling further establish the axolotl as a versatile preclinical model, offering insights that bridge basic biology and translational medicine. This review comprises current knowledge on the composition, bioactivity, and therapeutic potential of axolotl mucus, discusses the strengths and limitations of the axolotl as a biomedical model, and outlines future directions for clinical translation and ethical stewardship in the development of axolotl-inspired therapies.

Lay Summary

Axolotls are unique salamanders generally found in Mexico. It has the remarkable ability to regrow its body parts, such as the limbs, the heart, and the spinal cord, without scarring. The reason for this ability is generally due to their immune system and skin mucus. Researchers have found that the mucus contains natural compounds that help to fight against infections, promote wound healing, and may also support cancer management. Due to these properties, the axolotl is a valuable model organism for studying regeneration and for developing new bio-inspired therapeutic models. In this review, we have summarised the role of axolotl mucus and discussed how it may contribute to future medical therapies.