Advances in ecotoxicological research using planarians: a comprehensive review

Area of Science:

• Ecotoxicology
• Regenerative Biology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Planarians possess remarkable regenerative abilities and serve as key benthic predators.
• They are increasingly utilized as a model organism in ecotoxicology.
• Existing research on pollutant effects on planarians is synthesized in this review.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the effects of diverse pollutants on planarians.
• To introduce the novel concept of "regenerative toxicology."
• To evaluate planarians' sensitivity to real-world environmental samples and complex exposure scenarios.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of existing research on various pollutant classes (metals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, etc.).
• Introduction of a "regenerative toxicology" framework.
• Evaluation of ecological realism, combined toxicity (e.g., microplastics and metals), and methodological innovations (multi-omics, AI).

Main Results:

• A convergent toxicity pattern was observed, with most pollutants inducing oxidative stress.
• Oxidative stress triggers cellular responses, including apoptosis, disrupting neoblast function.
• Pollutants impair regeneration, behavior, and reproduction, with microplastics enhancing co-pollutant bioavailability.

Conclusions:

• Planarians offer a cost-effective model for assessing sublethal and long-term environmental pollution hazards.
• The study highlights the need for standardized testing methods and emphasizes planarians' role in understanding contaminant impacts on tissue homeostasis and ecosystem health.
• This review establishes planarians as crucial for robust environmental risk assessment.