Flatworm Research Response Post
Respond to the following post:
The study of flatworms and their regeneration of both structure and organs is key to many problems humans face today. Whether it be for regrowth of appendages, limbs and organs or a cancer recovery treatment, the uses of stem cells and stimulation of Wnt proteins is crucial. As the research has stated, there are areas of the body that have simple regenerative properties (skin, nails, hair etc.) but they are very limited in the regrowth of more complex structures. The liver is somewhat of an exception as it uses compensatory hyperplasia to regrow to what is lost yet it cannot create the cells for regrowth if there are none left. In the fields of cancer, which is the top causes of death globally and second only to heart disease in the U.S. (FastStats) stem cell research and regeneration can unlock solutions to the degeneration or destruction of cells that are damaged from chemotherapy and radiation treatment. “In other words, all of a person’s original stem cells are destroyed on purpose.” (“How Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants Are Used to Treat Cancer”) Stem cells can be used to recreate and build new blood cells and marrow into the necessary structures for full recovery. In Arizona we can relate this to a “controlled burn” to eliminate what is fueling the fire (in this case the cancer) and then replanting the new seeds and trees to regrow the forests.
As with all research done on non-human species, the application of the flatworm studies requires more testing. There are key functions and productions of stem cells on the planarian body (1/5) that humans do not have. The “shutting off” of a human’s Lin28a with age is another obstacle that when further understood could help. Lastly, the stigma of stem cell research and the lack of education that many people have about the process and its uses, may slow the progress of these studies as well.
“FastStats.” Www.cdc.gov, 9 Apr. 2021, www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/deaths.htm#:~:text=Number%20of%20deaths%20for%20leading%20causes%20of%20death%3A.
“How Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants Are Used to Treat Cancer.” Www.cancer.org, www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/stem-cell-transplant/why-stem-cell-transplants-are-used.html#:~:text=Bone%20marrow%20is%20the%20spongy%20liquid%20tissue%20in.
