Biology subjects

Kunselman, L.

Publications and source records attributed to Kunselman, L..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Regenerative potential varies along the anterior-posterior axis of the annelid Capitella teleta

Regeneration abilities vary among species, but they can also vary within individuals depending on factors such as developmental stage, amputation location and nutritional status. Many annelids (segmented worms) have well-documented cases of regeneration variation along the anterior-posterior (AP) body axis. However, mechanistic explanations for the diverse regeneration outcomes at different amputation positions remain unknown. Capitella teleta is an annelid with robust posterior regeneration ability but lacks anterior regeneration, although anterior regeneration ability has not been rigorously assessed at multiple amputation sites. In this study, we characterize regeneration ability along the AP axis of C. teleta tail fragments by comparing the post-amputation response of tail fragments cut between segments 1 and 2 and tail fragments cut between segments 10 and 11. Through EdU experiments, in situ hybridization assays, and antibody labeling, we demonstrate that the more anterior amputation site proceeds to later stages of regeneration than the posterior amputation site, but regeneration does not go to completion. The distribution of neoblast-like cells after amputation suggests that these cells do not substantially contribute to formation of the anterior-facing blastema in tail fragments with higher inherent regeneration potential. Lastly, we test whether the greater regenerative competence of tail fragments amputated between segments 1 and 2 increases the probability of accomplishing complete posterior regeneration after treatment with CHIR, a Wnt/{beta}-catenin agonist. Regeneration outcomes are comparable following increase in Wnt/{beta}-catenin signaling regardless of amputation position, suggesting that initial regeneration potential is not a limiting factor of successful posterior regeneration. Comparing tissues with different regenerative abilities within an individual organism can elucidate mechanisms underlying regeneration regulation, thereby enabling the prospect of rescuing or increasing regeneration ability in regeneration-deficient tissues.

zoology↗

bioRxiv2025

Wnt/β-catenin signaling promotes posterior axial regeneration in non-regenerative tissue of the annelid Capitella teleta

To rescue regeneration, the mechanisms underlying regeneration failure must be identified and overcome. In the annelid Capitella teleta, a transverse cut triggers asymmetric responses across the amputation plane: head fragments regenerate the tail, but tail fragments do not regenerate. We compare regeneration of head fragments (successful regeneration) to that of tail fragments (unsuccessful regeneration) using cell proliferation assays, immunolabeling, and in situ hybridization. Surprisingly, following amputation, a dynamic response of the nervous system occurs in the non-regenerating tail fragments of C. teleta that has not previously been described in annelids. Wnt/{beta}-catenin signaling plays a conserved role in patterning the primary axis of some bilaterians during regeneration, but this role has never been demonstrated in annelids. Wnt/{beta}-catenin pathway components are expressed in the blastema of head fragments but not at the cut site of tail fragments in C. teleta. Experimental activation of Wnt/{beta}-catenin signaling following amputation of tail fragments (24 - 72 hr post amputation) induces expression of stem cell markers, increases cell division at the wound site, and produces differentiated muscle and hindgut. Furthermore, activation of Wnt/{beta}-catenin signaling induces ectopic posterior identity at the amputation site, as it does in other bilaterians. Inhibition of Wnt/{beta}-catenin signaling does not rescue head regeneration. Our results indicate that C. teleta tail fragments have latent regenerative potential that is activated by Wnt/{beta}-catenin signaling. However, the incomplete regenerative response suggests that additional cell signaling pathways are required for this complex process. Comparing tissues with different regenerative abilities elucidates the mechanisms underlying regeneration regulation, thereby enabling the prospect of rescuing or increasing regeneration ability in regeneration-deficient tissues.

evolutionary biology↗