Sequenced Flatworm Genome May Unveil the Secrets of Regenerative Medicine

Imagine regrowing lost limbs. That's exactly what a certain flatworm can do with its regenerative powers. Now, scientists are aiming to learn a bit more about this regenerative ability after sequencing its genome.

The flatworm, in this case, is called Macrostomum lignano. It has absolutely extraordinary abilities; it's able to regenerate every single part of its body except for its brain. By studying this flatworm, it may be possible to apply these types of regenerative abilities in modern medicine.

"This and other regenerating flatworms have the same kind of pathway operating in stem cells that is responsible for their remarkable regenerative capabilities," said Gregory Hannon, one of the researchers, in a news release. "As we started to try to understand the biology of these stem cells, it very quickly became clear that we needed information about the genetic content of these organisms."

The researchers found that this particularly flatworm had a surprisingly complex genome filled with repetitive elements that made it challenging to assemble and analyze. At a genomic level, it had almost no relationship to anything else that had been sequence before.

The researchers used the worm's genomic information in order to study how gene expression changed during regeneration. In addition, the worm itself is ideal for studying stem cells, since they are, essentially, floating sacks full of stem cells.

With that said, the researchers still need to conduct detailed analysis to figure out how the flatworm's stem cells are able to develop into a variety of different cell types. The scientists are planning to examine how the pathways that have been studied in other organisms operate in the worms.

"The goal of this project was to enable ourselves and others to do new biology," said Hannon. "The hope is that as these tools become more available, the community will grow."

The findings are published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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