Int. J. Dev. Biol. 56: 49 - 52 (2012)

https://doi.org/10.1387/ijdb.113453as

Vol 56, Issue 1-2-3

Special Issue: The Planaria Model System

The past and present of planarians - An interview with Vittorio Gremigni

Published: 15 March 2012

Alessandra Salvetti and Leonardo Rossi*

Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Italy

Abstract

Vittorio Gremigni is a scientific leader in the field of planarian biology with a very long historical perspective. By using electron microscopy, he contributed to the reconstruction of the phylogenesis of free living “Turbellaria”, and he pioneered the study of the origin of blastema cells by using chromosomal markers. In this interview, Professor Gremigni describes the steps that moved his career towards the planarian field, the main scientific achievements he obtained and the changes that are taking place in the field. He also discusses recent progress and unanswered questions on planarian neoblasts and regeneration.

Keywords

Vittorio Gremigni, planarian