Tal Gordon

Understanding regeneration requires studying both highly regenerative species and those with limited regenerative capacity. Ascidian provide a powerful comparative system due to their phylogenetic position as chordates and their wide diversity in developmental strategies, including solitary and colonial lifestyles, as well as partial and whole-body regeneration. By comparing regenerative responses across different ascidian species, we aim to uncover conserved and divergent mechanisms that underlie tissue regeneration and to better understand how regenerative capacity has evolved.

Ascidian exhibit rapid and robust regeneration of the central nervous system following complete removal, with functional recovery occurring within days. This process involves the formation of new neural progenitors and the activation of conserved neurodevelopmental pathways. Our research focuses on identifying the cellular sources of regenerating neural cells and elucidating the molecular programs that control neuronal differentiation, axonal regrowth, and circuit reassembly. The high regenerative capacity of this system also allows us to investigate how injury and aging affect neural regeneration.

Environmental conditions can profoundly influence developmental and regenerative processes. Our work examines how external stressors, particularly thermal stress, affect wound responses and regenerative outcomes. By studying stress-induced changes in cellular behavior and gene expression, we aim to uncover mechanisms that link environmental conditions to tissue repair and regeneration.