Abstract
The segmented worms, or annelids, are a clade within the Lophotrochozoa, one of the three bilaterian superclades. Annelids have long been models for regeneration studies due to their impressive regenerative abilities. Furthermore, the group exhibits variation in adult regeneration abilities with some species able to replace anterior segments, posterior segments, both or neither. Successful regeneration includes regrowth of complex organ systems, including the centralized nervous system, gut, musculature, nephridia and gonads. Here, regenerative capabilities of the annelid Capitella teleta are reviewed. C. teleta exhibits robust posterior regeneration and benefits from having an available sequenced genome and functional genomic tools available to study the molecular and cellular control of the regeneration response. The highly stereotypic developmental program of C. teleta provides opportunities to study adult regeneration and generate robust comparisons between development and regeneration.
Highlights
The ability to replace lost body parts is widespread across animals
This review summarizes data on posterior regeneration for the annelid Capitella teleta and outlines its advantages for future regeneration research
Examples include P. leidyi [73], E. japonensis [90] and Lumbricillus lineatus [91,92]. Despite their long history serving as material for regeneration studies, annelids have lagged behind current animal models of regeneration
Summary
The ability to replace lost body parts is widespread across animals. Elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control regeneration in a range of animals and interpreting this data in a rigorous phylogenetic context will enable an understanding of the evolution of relative regenerative success. One set of experimental studies included X-ray irradiation of part or of the whole animal followed by amputation (reviewed in [7]) These studies addressed the question of the cellular origin of regenerating tissue, of the possible migration of stem cells into the wound site from a distant location. New expression data for several genes are presented to provide more detailed molecular characterization of the regeneration response in C. teleta These include expression patterns of a gene whose upregulation in response to amputation occurs within hours, stem cell marker genes and markers of specific cell types or organs in regenerating tissue.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
