The Application of Transgenesis to Abraham Trembley’s Hydra, an Ancient Animal Model for the Study of Regeneration that has now entered the 21st Century

Developmental biology and regenerative biology began with the studies of Abraham Trembley who was a mathematician. Trembley initiated studies with the freshwater hydrozoan, hydra to determine if the organism was a plant or animal. His first studies in 1740 found that bisection of the organism lead to the formation of two complete adult appearing hydra and he then proceeded to perform extensive experiments to evaluate the extent of hydra’s “regenerative capabilities”. He performed numerous experiments that culminated in the publication of his book in 1744 on the biology and regenerative nature of hydra. His studies established the early foundations of regenerative biology that have been built upon over the years and has led to current studies focusing on cellular and molecular mechanisms. From Trembley’s initial studies, regenerative biology has grown to encompass the field of regenerative medicine that applies our understanding of regenerative processes to the human condition.