Author Response: Selective Amputation of the Pharynx Identifies a FoxA-Dependent Regeneration Program in Planaria

The study by Adler et al. explored the regeneration of the planarian pharynx, focusing on the role of the FoxA gene. By chemically amputating the pharynx, the researchers standardized the removal process and conducted large-scale regeneration assays. They identified 20 out of 356 genes that, when knocked down, led to defects in pharynx regeneration. The study highlighted the necessity of FoxA for pharynx regeneration, as it is expressed in the pharynx and a subset of smedwi-1+ neoblasts. The authors addressed concerns about dorsal outgrowths observed after Fox RNAi treatment, confirming the absence of pharyngeal tissue and continued inhibition of FoxA expression. This research contributed to understanding organ regeneration in planaria, emphasizing the specific role of FoxA in pharyngeal regeneration.