Planarians are flatworms capable of dramatic feats of regeneration, which have been studied for over two centuries. Recent findings identify key cellular and molecular principles underlying these feats.

Recent studies have shown that planaria can regenerate all tissue parts. Various signalling pathways and molecular mechanisms play important roles in the regeneration process of planarians. It is these organized specific regulation that enables planarians to accurately regenerate appropriate tissues after injury.

The de novo regeneration of the planarian eye via the coalescence of individually migrating progenitors arising far from their target site provides a striking example of self-organization (Lapan and Reddien 2011). Assembling a structure as complex as the eye necessitates both multiple cell fate choices and precise spatial arrangements of cells.

Planarian regeneration involves the generation of new tissue at the wound site via cell proliferation (blastema formation), and the remodeling of pre-existing tissues to restore symmetry and proportion (morphallaxis).

Planaria can regenerate, making them perfect to compare regenerative capacity of variables. The quality of what the planaria live in can affect how well they regenerate. Planaria can regenerate quickly due to their size and simplicity, allowing for results to be revealed quickly.

Apr 21, 2014 · Split a planarian down the middle and you'll soon have two cross-eyed critters staring back at you; cut one up and each piece will regenerate an entire flatworm. How do they pull of such an...

Oct 19, 2023 · Combining quantification of species-specific head-regeneration abilities with a comprehensive transcriptome-based phylogeny reconstruction, we show multiple independent transitions between...

Feb 8, 2025 · Planarians can regenerate entire nervous systems, including the brain and ventral nerve cords, after injury. This ability is attributed to versatile neoblasts and intricate signaling pathways guiding their differentiation into neural cells.

Facts About Planarian Regeneration. If its neoblasts are destroyed by radiation, a planarian that has been cut is unable to regenerate missing parts and dies within a few weeks. If new neoblasts are transplanted into an irradiated animal, it regains its ability to regenerate.

Planarian regeneration involves the generation of new tissue at the wound site via cell proliferation (blastema formation), and the remodeling of pre-existing tissues to restore symmetry and proportion (morphallaxis).