REGEN-TUM ( Cellular and molecular responses of planarian stem cells to chemical and genetic damage)

This project aims to systematically study and deeply characterize the regenerative and tumorigenic responses of planarian stem cells to chemical and genetic insults, both at the cellular and molecular levels. Using the asexual strain of «Schmidtea mediterranea» as a model, the study will combine classical methods with advanced approaches such as high-throughput sequencing to better understand how stem cells contribute to regeneration and, under certain conditions, to tumor formation.

The research has five main goals. First, to determine whether tumors develop in regenerating and non-regenerating planarians exposed to chemical or genetic insults. Second, to conduct histological, molecular, and physiological characterization of tumors, followed by identifying downstream effectors and cell type changes after tumor induction. These steps will provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying both regenerative and pathological responses.

Finally, the project will explore the functional role of cancer-related genes in planarians, focusing on their potential interaction with the CBP/p300 gene family, known regulators of stem cell behavior. It will also examine how factors such as sexual reproduction, age, and regenerative ability influence tumor induction. Together, these studies will not only expand our knowledge of planarian stem cell biology but also provide broader insights into the relationship between regeneration and cancer. The project is funded by the AEI 2024 Call – “Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento.