10 Critters That Can Regrow Body Parts (and How They Do It)

6. Sea Cucumbers: The Ocean's Recyclers

Sea cucumbers, echinoderms related to starfish and sea urchins, are remarkable for regenerating internal organs, including their intestines, respiratory trees, and even parts of their muscular system. This regenerative capability is a survival strategy that allows sea cucumbers to escape predators by expelling their internal organs, which are later regenerated. The regeneration process in sea cucumbers involves a combination of cellular dedifferentiation, proliferation, and differentiation, guided by a complex network of signaling pathways. The regenerative abilities of sea cucumbers have been linked to the presence of specialized cells called coelomocytes, which play a crucial role in immune response and tissue regeneration. These cells, along with various growth factors and signaling molecules, facilitate the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues. The study of sea cucumber regeneration has provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of organ regeneration and tissue remodeling, offering potential applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.