@article {1766, title = {Triploid planarian reproduces truly bisexually with euploid gametes produced through a different meiotic system between sex.}, journal = {Chromosoma}, volume = {123}, year = {2014}, month = {2014 Jun}, pages = {265-72}, abstract = {

Although polyploids are common among plants and some animals, polyploidization often causes reproductive failure. Triploids, in particular, are characterized by the problems of chromosomal pairing and segregation during meiosis, which may cause aneuploid gametes and results in sterility. Thus, they are generally considered to reproduce only asexually. In the case of the Platyhelminthes Dugesia ryukyuensis, populations with triploid karyotypes are normally found in nature as both fissiparous and oviparous triploids. Fissiparous triploids can also be experimentally sexualized if they are fed sexual planarians, developing both gonads and other reproductive organs. Fully sexualized worms begin reproducing by copulation rather than fission. In this study, we examined the genotypes of the offspring obtained by breeding sexualized triploids and found that the offspring inherited genes from both parents, i.e., they reproduced truly bisexually. Furthermore, meiotic chromosome behavior in triploid sexualized planarians differed significantly between male and female germ lines, in that female germ line cells remained triploid until prophase I, whereas male germ line cells appeared to become diploid before entry into meiosis. Oocytes at the late diplotene stage contained not only paired bivalents but also unpaired univalents that were suggested to produce diploid eggs if they remained in subsequent processes. Triploid planarians may therefore form euploid gametes by different meiotic systems in female and male germ lines and thus are be able to reproduce sexually in contrast to many other triploid organisms.

}, keywords = {Animals, Chromosomes, Female, Germ Cells, Male, Meiosis, planarians, reproduction, Triploidy}, issn = {1432-0886}, doi = {10.1007/s00412-013-0449-2}, author = {Chinone, Ayako and Nodono, Hanae and Matsumoto, Midori} } @article {1738, title = {Gene organization and expression of a neuropeptide Y homolog from the land planarian Arthurdendyus triangulatus}, journal = {J Comp Neurol}, volume = {454}, year = {2002}, month = {2002 Dec 02}, pages = {58-64}, abstract = {

Neuropeptide Y is one of the most widespread regulatory peptides within the vertebrate nervous system and shares the C-terminal motif [FY]-x(3)-[LIVM]-x(2)-Y-x(3)-[LIVMFY]-x-R-x-R-[YF] with pancreatic polypeptide, peptide YY, and fish pancreatic peptide Y. All four peptides are believed to have arisen from a single ancestral gene through successive gene duplication events in vertebrates. The origin of this peptide family may date back further still; similarly sized peptide transmitters with an identical C-terminal motif have been identified in molluscs and flatworms and designated neuropeptide F (NPF). Cloning of the npf gene from the parasitic flatworm Moniezia expansa identified some unusual features within the peptide precursor organization but, at the same time, provided support for an evolutionary relationship of npf and npy genes through the presence of a single intron at a conserved position. To extend the analysis of the evolutionary relationships between invertebrate NPF and vertebrate NPY family peptides, the NPF precursor from the turbellarian Arthurdendyus triangulatus was characterized. Sequence analysis revealed the npf transcript to be 362 base pairs in length encoding a single open reading frame of 81 amino acids. The precursor comprises a signal peptide followed by the mature peptide of 36 amino acids in length, terminating in the typical invertebrate GRPRF motif, followed by a carboxyterminal glycyl extension. The NPF precursor of A. triangulatus shows significant similarities to the vertebrate NPY peptides. Indeed, the N-terminus of A. triangulatus prepro-NPF corresponds more closely to that of the vertebrate peptide homologs than to that of other invertebrate NPFs isolated to date. Immunocytochemical localization studies have demonstrated NPF immunoreactivity throughout the nervous system of A. triangulatus, particularly in association with muscular structures. The data support an early evolutionary origin for this peptide transmitter family within the nervous system of basal bilaterians.

}, keywords = {Amino Acid Sequence, Animals, Base Sequence, DNA, Complementary, Genomic Library, Helminth Proteins, Introns, Molecular Sequence Data, Nervous system, Neuropeptide Y, Organ Specificity, planarians, Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Sequence Homology, Amino Acid}, issn = {0021-9967}, doi = {10.1002/cne.10440}, author = {Dougan, Paula M and Mair, Gunnar R and Halton, David W and Curry, W James and Day, Tim A and Maule, Aaron G} } @article {1734, title = {Neuropeptide F: primary structure from the tubellarian, Artioposthia triangulata.}, journal = {Comp Biochem Physiol C}, volume = {101}, year = {1992}, month = {1992 Feb}, pages = {269-74}, abstract = {

1. A neuropeptide exhibiting vertebrate pancreatic polypeptide immunoreactivity has been isolated and sequenced from extracts of the terrestrial turbellarian, Artioposthia triangulata. 2. This neuropeptide, designated neuropeptide F, consists of 36 amino acid residues terminating in a phenylalaninamide. 3. The full primary structure was established as: KVVHLRPRSSFSSEDEYQIYLRNVSKYIQLYGRPRF.NH2. The molecular mass, deduced from this sequence, was 4433 Da. 4. This neuropeptide exhibits C-terminal homology with neuropeptide F (Moniezia expansa) and with the vertebrate neuropeptide Y/pancreatic polypeptide superfamily of which it may represent a phylogenetic precursor.

}, keywords = {Amino Acid Sequence, Animals, Helminth Proteins, Immunohistochemistry, Mass Spectrometry, Molecular Sequence Data, Molecular Weight, Neuropeptide Y, Neuropeptides, Pancreatic Polypeptide, Platyhelminths, Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid}, issn = {0742-8413}, author = {Curry, W J and Shaw, C and Johnston, C F and Thim, L and Buchanan, K D} } @article {1733, title = {Impact of the New Zealand flatworm (Artioposthia triangulata) on soil structure and hydrology in the UK.}, journal = {Sci Total Environ}, volume = {215}, year = {1998}, month = {1998 May 04}, pages = {259-65}, abstract = {

Through north west Europe, concern has been growing in recent years about the predatory nature of Artioposthia triangulata on indigenous earthworm species. In this study, the consequence of earthworm depletion by A. triangulata on soil structure and related hydrological processes is examined. Field measurements compare differences in saturated hydraulic conductivity between sites overrun by A. triangulata and neighbouring unaffected sites. Laboratory experiments were conducted on soil cores containing worms only, worms and A. triangulata, and a control with no worms or A. Triangulata. Differences in the water release characteristic and bulk density between treatments was studied. It is concluded that in the short term, infestation by flatworms and consequent depletion of earthworms will increase infiltration. However, as macropores degenerate or are removed over time, an increased risk of surface run off may result in increased pollution and flood hazards, whilst reduced drainage and subsequent waterlogging may reduce agricultural productivity in certain soils. More research into understanding the processes is required.

}, keywords = {Animals, Environmental Monitoring, Oligochaeta, Platyhelminths, Predatory Behavior, Regression Analysis, Soil, Soil Pollutants, United Kingdom}, issn = {0048-9697}, author = {Haria, A H and McGrath, S P and Moore, J P and Bell, J P and Blackshaw, R P} } @article {1732, title = {Septate junctions in the cephalic epidermis of Turbellarians (Bipalium)}, journal = {Cell Tissue Res}, volume = {184}, year = {1977}, month = {1977 Nov 07}, pages = {423-5}, abstract = {

In the epidermis of turbellarians septate junctions of the pleated sheet type have been demonstrated in conventional thin sections and freeze fractured preparations. The structure of these junctions entirely agrees with that found in molluscs and arthropods.

}, keywords = {Animals, Epidermis, Freeze Fracturing, Intercellular Junctions, Microscopy, Electron, Microscopy, Electron, Scanning, Turbellaria}, issn = {0302-766X}, author = {Storch, V and Welsch, U} } @article {1719, title = {Resistance of two planarian species to UV-irradiation}, journal = {Folia Biol (Krakow)}, volume = {54}, year = {2006}, month = {2006}, pages = {103-8}, abstract = {

The aim of this work was to determine the effects of 20, 25 and 30 minute UV-irradiation periods lambda = 253.5 nm to two planarian species Dugesia tigrina (Gir.) and Polycelis felina (Daly.). In vivo, UV light effects have been reported to affect intracellular receptors and disrupt simple behaviour. The effects of UV-rays on mortality and behavior as well as morphological, cytological and histological changes in the two planarian species were assessed, and the course and the dynamics of regenerative processes were compared between them. Experimental populations of Dugesia tigrina and Polycelis felina species were maintained in laboratory conditions at room temperature. Mortality, behavioral and morphological changes were monitored daily by means of a light stereomicroscope. For cytological and histopathological analysis, planarians were fixed in Bouine fixative on the first, second, third, fifth and seventh day after exposure to UV-irradiation, respectively. They were embedded in paraffin, cut on a microtome, stained with toluidin blue and embedded in Canada-balsam. UV-rays caused mortality, behavioral, morphological, cytological and histological changes in each planarian species. In regeneration of damaged body parts reticular cells and neoblasts played the main role. Neoblasts as totipotent cells extremely increased in number in the area of damaged tissue, immediately after UV-exposure. Dugesia tigrina was more sensitive to UV-rays than Polycelis felina due to possession of less pigmented cells. The course of regeneration in both species was similar. Most individuals of both species regenerated in 5 to 12 days after UV-irradiation.

}, keywords = {Animals, planarians, Ultraviolet Rays}, issn = {0015-5497}, author = {Kalafati{\'c}, Mirjana and Kovacevi{\'c}, Goran and Franjevi{\'c}, Damjan} } @article {1710, title = {On the distribution of neoblasts of Dugesia lugubris (Turbellaria, Tricladida) before and during regeneration}, journal = {C R Hebd Seances Acad Sci}, volume = {250}, year = {1960}, month = {1960 Mar 28}, pages = {2465-7}, keywords = {Animals, Annelida, Asteraceae, planarians, Platyhelminths, regeneration, Turbellaria}, issn = {0001-4036}, author = {LENDER, T and GABRIEL, A} } @article {1708, title = {Anatomical deviation of male organs of land planarians from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with description of two new species of Cratera (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida).}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {3931}, year = {2015}, month = {2015 Mar 11}, pages = {27-40}, abstract = {

Two new land planarian species, collected in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, are described. Their external aspect is similar to that of Imbira marcusi Carbayo et al., 2013 and Pseudogeoplana theresopolitana (Schirch, 1929), respectively. The analysis of the internal organs, however, revealed they belong to the genus Cratera. The male copulatory organs of one species is very different from any other geoplaninid, for the penis papilla holds a large, distal cavity receiving the ejaculatory duct and, furthermore, the papilla projects vertically downwards from the roof of the male atrium. Thus we consider it as a new species, Cratera cuarassu sp. nov. The second species differs from its congeners in that the dorsal insertion of the penis papilla is anterior to the ventral one, and in that the female atrium is narrowed in the anterior portion. The species was found in the type locality of Pseudogeoplana theresopolitana (Schirch, 1929) and compares well with it in the external features. However, since its internal organs are unknown and the type material of the species is seemingly lost, we describe it as Cratera anamariae Carbayo, sp. nov.

}, keywords = {Animals, Brazil, Genitalia, Male, Male, planarians}, issn = {1175-5334}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.3931.1.2}, author = {Carbayo, Fernando and Almeida, Ana Laura} } @article {1698, title = {First report of the land planarian Diversibipalium multilineatum (Makino \& Shirasawa, 1983) (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Continenticola) in Europe.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4067}, year = {2016}, month = {2016 Jan 26}, pages = {577-80}, abstract = {

Introduction of alien species may significantly affect soil ecosystems, through predation or disruption of components of native ecosystems (Winsor et al. 2004; \Álvarez-Presas et al. 2014; Justine et al. 2014). Land planarians have been reported as alien species in soils throughout the world and, among those, some species are considered to be successful invaders, e.g. Platydemus manokwari de Beauchamp, 1963, Arthurdendyus triangulatus (Dendy, 1894), Bipalium adventitium Hyman, 1943, Bipalium kewense Moseley, 1878 and Dolichoplana striata Moseley, 1877 (Winsor et al. 2004; \Álvarez-Presas et al. 2014; Justine et al. 2014, 2015). Soil moisture status seems to be an important element for their successful invasion (Fraser \& Boag 1998). In Europe at least 18 species of alien land planarians have been recorded since now and some of them are considered as invasive ones, e.g. P. manokwari (cf. Justine et al. 2014). Although the alien land planarian B. kewense has been reported to occur in many greenhouses in Italy (Bello et al. 1995), no data are available on its establishment and/or impact on natural environments. On 28th September 2014, 20 specimens (~1 individual/m2) of the land planarian Diversibipalium multilineatum (Makino \& Shirasawa, 1983) (Fig. 1), native to Japan, were collected under pots, branches and plastic materials in a private garden located in the center of Bologna (Emilia Romagna, Central Italy), near the urban park Giardini Margherita (44\°29\&$\#$39; N, 11\°21\&$\#$39; E; WGS84). Thirty plant species (both indigenous and alien), mainly cultivated as bonsai (e.g. Lagerstroemia indica L., Juniperus procumbens (Siebold ex Endl.) Miquel), were present in this shady, wet garden (25 m2). Between March 2014 and June 2015, 70 more specimens of D. multilineatum were collected at the same site, mainly at dusk and dawn after rain. Reproduction by fission and regeneration processes were observed in several of those specimens, which were kept for some time in captivity. A specimen of D. multilineatum was also collected in a garden in L\éguevin (Haute-Garonne, France), which will be described in a forthcoming paper by Justine et al. (in prep.) (see also Kawakatsu et al. 2014). Specimens without a genital pore were initially ascribed to D. multilineatum on the basis of their external appearance: the dorsal surface was brownish yellow and presented five longitudinal stripes at the head plate and the neck, showing the typical appearance of the species. The middorsal stripe was widened at its anterior end, on the head plate, and at the pharynx level. The ventral pattern of the animals at the pharyngeal region was also characteristic, with the middorsal stripe widened at this level. The Italian Diversibipalium specimens used for the molecular analysis were fixed and preserved in absolute ethanol. Fragments of the mitochondrial gene COI and 28S ribosomal RNA nuclear gene (GenBank Acc. Numbers KU245358 and KU245357, respectively) were obtained using the procedure and COI primers described in \Álvarez-Presas et al. (2008) and Sol\à et al. (2013). The French specimen\&$\#$39;s COI (Specimen MNHN JL177, GenBank Acc. Number KT922162) was obtained as described in Justine et al. (2015). 28S sequences of 14 Bipaliinae specimens and four Microplana species (outgroup) retrieved from GenBank were included in the phylogenetic analyses (Fig. 2). Sequence alignment was obtained by using the online software MAFFT version 7 (Katoh \& Standley 2013), while ambiguously aligned positions were removed using the program Gblocks (Talavera \& Castresana 2007) with default settings, excepting the minimum number of sequences for a flank position at the minimum value (set at 10) and with half of the allowed gap positions. The final alignment had a length of 1589 bp. We used two phylogenetic inference approaches: maximum likelihood (ML), using the RaxML 8.2.3 software (Stamatakis 2014), and Bayesian inferences (BI), using MrBayes 3.2.4 (Ronquist et al. 2012). The evolutionary model used, GTR+I+G, was estimated to be the best with the software jModeltest 2.1.7 (Darriba et al. 2012; Guindon \& Gascuel 2003), using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). MrBayes analyses were performed for 10-milion generation with sampling parameters every 103 and a 25\% default burn-in value for the final trees. Convergence of the two runs (average standard deviation of split frequencies \<\< 0.01) and likelihood stationarity were checked. The maximum likelihood analyses were performed under 1000 bootstrap pseudoreplicates. The phylogenetic results show a close and highly supported relationship of the Italian Diversibipalium specimens with those from Japan and South Korea that have been identified as D. multilineatum (Fig. 2). Diversibipalium multilineatum is the sister-group of B. nobile Kawakatsu \& Makino, 1982, but with low support. The COI sequences of the French (MNHN JL177) and the Italian Diversibipalium specimens were compared in Geneious v. 8.0.5 (http://www.geneious.com, Kearse et al. 2012) and were found to be identical. These results indicate that the species introduced in both countries is the same, and most probably concerns the species D. multilineatum. The pathways of introduction of D. multilineatum are currently unknown, although a relationship between the horticultural trade and the introduction of alien land planarians is well known (\Álvarez-Presas et al. 2014 and references therein). Here we report the first occurrence of individuals of D. multilineatum outside Asia. The GenBank sequence of D. multilineatum from South Korea is not yet supported by a published description of the specimen, while it is debatable whether South Korea should be considered part of the natural range of D. multilineatum, which only seems to include Japan. In the present paper, we consider the South Korean animal to be an introduced specimen. Soil moisture status, temperature, and food availability are considered to be the main factors determining the presence of terrestrial planarians (Boag et al. 1998); the microclimatic conditions of the Italian garden were similar to plant nurseries and greenhouses, while an abundance of food was available, such as isopods [Porcellionides pruinosus (Brandt, 1833)], oligochaetes [Dendrobaena attemsi (Michaelsen, 1902) and several juveniles of Lumbricus spp.] and gastropods [Cernuella cisalpina (Rossmassler, 1837), Cornu aspersum (O.F. M\üller 1774), Deroceras reticulatum (O.F. M\üller, 1774), Discus rotundatus (O.F. M\üller, 1774), Limacus flavus (Linnaeus, 1758), Milax nigricans (Philippi, 1836), Papillifera papillaris (Linnaeus, 1758), Pomatias elegans (O.F. M\üller, 1774)]. Moreover, winter 2014 reached the highest temperatures and rainfall of the last two decades (source: CNR-ISAC, Bologna), thus favouring establishment and spread of D. multilineatum. The potential environmental impacts of some invasive flatworms are well documented (\Álvarez-Presas et al. 2014; Justine et al. 2014) and, even if these effects have not yet been assessed for D. multilineatum, the adoption of precautionary measures and of early intervention is here strongly recommended (Genovesi \& Shine 2004). Finally, knowledge of the introduction pathway(s), together with the analysis of prey preference and possible impact on the invertebrate fauna, will be essential to halt or at least to limit the spread of this introduced land flatworm.

}, keywords = {Animals, Biological Evolution, Body Size, Europe, phylogeny, planarians}, issn = {1175-5334}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4067.5.4}, author = {Mazza, Giuseppe and Menchetti, Mattia and Sluys, Ronald and Sol{\`a}, Eduard and Riutort, Marta and Tricarico, Elena and Justine, Jean-Lou and Cavigioli, Luca and Mori, Emiliano} }