Overview

• Researchers detailed a conserved four-stage regeneration process that restores camera-type eyes in golden apple snails over about 28 days.
• CRISPR/Cas9 protocols were optimized to create mutant snail lines and confirm that disabling the PAX6 gene prevents eye development.
• Genome-wide expression analyses revealed roughly 9,000 genes activated immediately post-amputation and 1,175 genes still differentially expressed after full regrowth.
• Upcoming experiments will use CRISPR in adult snails and behavioral assays to verify functional vision and pinpoint molecular switches driving regeneration.
• Insights from this genetically tractable snail model could pave the way for novel therapies to heal human eye injuries and degenerative diseases.