Evolutionary conserved mechanisms of regeneration from Hydra vulgaris to modern Homo sapiens with focus on the peripheral nerve regeneration

I focus my research on an evolutionary ancient organism, one of the very first to develop a nervous system on Earth, the Hydra vulgaris. This organism is a tiny fresh-water polyp, with high regenerative abilities and potential immortality, possesses a repertoire of small peptides, that orchestrate the Hydras’ development and resilience to injury. My objective is to test those peptides in models of peripheral nerve regeneration and identify the evolutionary basis of the common regenerative pathways, as well as to explore the ways of possible therapeutic implementation in the treatment of peripheral nerve disorders.