Resilience in the depths: anemones as models for aging and regeneration research

Abstract

All creatures are impacted by the complicated biological process of aging, although little is known about its exact mechanics. Because of their simple body shape and amazing capacity for regeneration, sea anemones, which belong to the phylum Cnidaria, provide a unique model for researching aging. With an emphasis on their cellular and molecular traits, capacity for regeneration, and environmental effects, this article examines the biology of anemones in relation to aging. The anatomy and physiology of anemones are first described, with a focus on the function of specific stem cells in regeneration. Senescence and decreased stem cell activity are two major biological changes that these creatures undergo as they age and have an effect on their ability to regenerate. The life cycles of different anemone species and the variables affecting their lifespan are also covered. To clarify their roles in cellular aging, important molecular mechanisms of aging are investigated, including oxidative stress, genetic factors, and signaling pathways (such as Wnt, Notch, and Hedgehog). The aging process is also significantly influenced by environmental factors, such as pollution and temperature. There are also issues, such as the paucity of longitudinal studies, despite their usefulness as models for aging research. But new methods in imaging and molecular biology are starting to fill up these gaps. To sum up, research on anemone aging advances our knowledge of their biology and has wider ramifications for aging studies in other animals and regenerative medicine. We may discover a great deal about the basic mechanisms governing lifespan and resilience in living things by investigating the interactions between aging, regeneration, and environmental conditions.

Keywords: Aging, sea anemones, regeneration, longevity