Transcriptomics-based study of intestinal regeneration in Python molurus
Canonical models of intestinal regeneration emphasize the critical role of the crypt stem cell niche to generate enterocytes that migrate to villus ends. Burmese pythons posses extreme intestinal regenerative capacity yet lack crypts, thus providing opportunities to identify non-canonical but potentially conserved mechanisms that expand our understanding of regenerative capacity in vertebrates, including humans. Our single-cell resolution highlights extensive heterogeneity in mesenchymal cell population signaling and intercellular communication that directs major tissue restructuring and the shift out of a dormant fasted state by activating both embryonic developmental and wound healing pathways