Development and regeneration

Pluripotent adult stem cells power planarian regeneration

May 12, 2011

Whitehead Institute researchers have determined that the planarian flatworm regenerates missing tissues by using pluripotent adult stem cells. Until now, scientists could not determine whether the dividing cells in planarians, called neoblasts, are a mixture of specialized stem cells that each regenerates specific tissues, or if individual neoblasts are pluripotent and able to regenerate all tissues.

Image showing wntP-1 concentration at planarian wound site

Figuring out the heads or tails decision in regeneration

Development and regeneration

September 14, 2009

Wounds trigger regeneration in planaria, a flatworm commonly studied for its regenerative capabilities. Until now, no molecular connection between wounding and the onset of the regeneration of an entire head or tail in planaria had been identified.

The Hsp90-antifungal combo, please: Compromising fungi in the immunocompromised

Infectious disease

February 09, 2009

Even the most drug-resistant fungi can be eradicated in multiple in vitro and in vivo models using a lethal combination of an antifungal agent and inhibition of a specific heat shock protein (Hsp90). Such findings could point to a novel approach for the development of future antifungal therapies for patients with compromised immune systems, including HIV, chemotherapy, and organ transfer patients.

Alternating pink and green ovals (these are planarians) with different parts of their bodies glowing.

New Whitehead scientist uncovers the regenerative secrets of flatworms

Development and regeneration

July 20, 2005

Chop a planarian flatworm in half and you end up with two healthy, wiggly worms. Unfortunately, not so with a lab mouse or fruit fly. Peter Reddien, who joins the Whitehead faculty as Associate Member this August after completing a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Utah, is determined to find out why.