Franziska Knopf

Adaptive immunity is dispensable for appendage regeneration in highly regenerative vertebrates

This study shows that adaptive immune cells are not required for appendage regeneration in axolotls and zebrafish, with regeneration proceeding normally despite the absence of mature T and B cells.

Differential fates of vertebrate Kazald gene quartet, from ancestral roles in skeletogenesis and regeneration to putative innovations in fish and birds

The paper investigates the evolution of the Kazald gene family in vertebrates, identifying its origin and differential roles across species.

Fine-tuning of Fgf8 morphogen gradient by heparan sulfate proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix

This paper shows that Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans (HSPGs) in the extracellular matrix bind Fgf8, altering its diffusion and signaling, and contribute to forming the Fgf8 morphogen gradient.

Compartmentalization and synergy of osteoblasts drive bone formation in the regenerating fin

The paper investigates cell lineage relationships in zebrafish fin regeneration using single-cell RNA sequencing and lineage tracing, revealing compartmentalized osteoblast and blastema contributions to bone formation.

Osteoblast cell death triggers a pro-osteogenic inflammatory response regulated by reactive oxygen species and glucocorticoid signaling in zebrafish

The paper shows that osteoblast death in zebrafish triggers macrophage recruitment via reactive oxygen species, which is modulated by glucocorticoids and essential for osteoblast repopulation of lesions.