Genome sequencing of Enchytraeus japonensis NU

Enchytraeus japonensis is a small oligochaete (annelid) species that proliferates asexually via fragmentation (autotomy) and regeneration. Fragmentation can be artificially induced under laboratory conditions by electric shock, head removal (decapitation), or amputation. Sexual reproduction can also be caused by low-density culture. The entire cycle of asexual and sexual reproduction takes approximately 2 and 4 weeks, respectively. It is an ideal model system for the study of both regenerative and germline stem cells. As the asexually reproduced worms are genetically identical clones, they are suitable for molecular studies (Yoshida-Noro & Tochinai 2010). The goal of the genome analysis of this worm is to perform a functional analysis of the genes involved in regeneration. This analysis is also helpful for comparative studies or molecular phylogeny of regeneration.