Djsnon, a downstream gene of Djfoxk1, is required for the regeneration of the planarian central nervous system

Regulators of adult neurogenesis are crucial targets for neuronal repair. Freshwater planarians are ideal model systems for studying neuronal regeneration as they can regenerate their entire central nervous system (CNS) using pluripotent adult stem cells. Here, we identified Djfoxk1 in planarian Dugesiajaponica to be required for planarian CNS regeneration. Knockdown of Djfoxk1 inhibits the regeneration of the cephalic ganglia, resulting in the failure of eye regeneration. By RNAi screening of Djfoxk1 downstream genes, we identified Djsnon as another regulator of planarian neuronal regeneration. Inhibition of Djsnon with RNA interference (RNAi) results in similar phenotypes caused by Djfoxk1 RNAi without affecting cell proliferation and wound healing. Our findings show that Djsnon as a downstream gene of Djfoxk1 reg-ulates the regeneration of the planarian CNS.(c) 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc.

Automated summary

Regulators of adult neurogenesis are crucial for neuronal repair. Freshwater planarians, with their pluripotent adult stem cells, serve as ideal model systems for studying neuronal regeneration. In this study, Djfoxk1 and its downstream gene Djsnon were identified as important regulators of planarian central nervous system (CNS) regeneration. Knockdown of Djfoxk1 or Djsnon resulted in impaired regeneration of the cephalic ganglia and failure of eye regeneration. Our findings highlight the role of Djfoxk1-Djsnon signaling in planarian CNS regeneration.