Exploring the effect of epigenetic modifications on planarian regeneration process using small molecules treatment

Aim: In this study, we explored the effect of epigenetic modifications on planarian regeneration process by treating with small molecule epigenetic modifiers
Material and Planaria worms were cut into 3 sections including head, trunk, and tail regions and treated with 6 small molecules with epigenetic modification effects. All samples were evaluated morphologically for 20 days to monitor the effects on regeneration process.
Morphological analysis of samples treated with selected six small molecules with different epigenetic modification functions revealed that treating with two of them including Sodium butyrate and Valporic acid will result in delayed head, trunk, and tail fragments regeneration, and delayed eye formation in trunk and tail fragments, respectively. In addition, samples treated with other four small molecules including BIX01294, RG108, SAHA, and Tranylcypromine with other epigenetic modification functions, regenerated normally.
These results indicating that different epigenetic levels and activity of histone deacetylases play a key role in planarian regeneration and inhibition of histone deacetylases activity will result in abnormal regeneration. However, further work is needed to determine the exact mechanism of histone deacetylases activity effect on planarian regeneration process. Finally, we hope to understand more about the underlying mechanism of planarian and vertebrate’s regeneration inhibition and activation using these findings.