Ancient Gene Gives Planarians a Heads-Up in Regeneration
Thursday, May 12, 2011 - 13:50
in Biology & Nature
A little-studied gene known as notum plays a key role in the planarian's regeneration decision-making process, according to Whitehead Institute scientists. At head-facing wounds, the gene acts as a dimmer switch to dampen the Wnt pathway--an signaling circuit that operates in all animals--and promote head regeneration.