Evaluating spiny mice (Acomys) as a model for cardiac research

Complex tissue regeneration is extremely rare among adult mammals. An exception, however, is the superior tissue healing of multiple organs in spiny mice (Acomys). While Acomys species exhibit the remarkable ability to heal complex tissue with minimal scarring, little is known about their cardiac structure and function. In this study, we characterized cardiac structure, anatomy, and in vivo function, as well as cardiomyocyte characteristics in Acomys compared to the most commonly used cardiac mouse model, the C57BL6 mouse strain (Mus). Our results demonstrate comparable cardiac anatomy, structure and function between the two rodent species, but reveal significant differences in their cardiomyocyte characteristics. These findings establish Acomys as a new mammalian model for cardiac research.