By shutting off a single gene, researchers think humans could regenerate damaged tissue just as newts do. -J. Carmichael
By shutting off a gene (P21) in our DNA using a transcription factor, we could regenerate body parts such as lost limbs and even completely heal scar tissue. P21 is responsible for monitoring cell division, so unfortunately if it is turned off it could potentially lead to genetic diseases and complications like Cancer.
Newts don't seem to have this problem though. I suppose if we research genes like this further we could find out how to utilize this ability without causing damage. Genetically tampered mice weren't harmed upon receiving the gene, but we can't say for sure the result would be similar in Humans.
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