Variation in Whole-Body Regeneration Between Botrylloides Morphs and Species

Abstract

In this study, we examined and compared the WBR processes of B. jacksonianum, B. affinis anceps (hereafter referred to as B. anceps here), and B. diegensis. B. anceps displayed twin-body regeneration, whereas B. jacksonianum and B. diegensis regenerated only one zooid each. Histological examination confirmed the presence of multiple vesicles formed from hemoblast aggregates during WBR, a phenomenon observed in other Botrylloides spp. The investigated species exhibited strong similarities in their WBR, with some variations in the overall process, indicating the presence of similar mechanisms underlying WBR. Understanding the intricacies of tunicate WBR contributes to our knowledge of regenerative biology and may offer valuable insights for regenerative medicine research in vertebrates.