EGFR signaling regulates cell proliferation, differentiation and morphogenesis during planarian regeneration and homeostasis

► 3 homologues to EGF receptors are reported in the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea. ► Smed-egfr-1 is required for eye-pigment cells and pharynx regeneration. ► Smed-egfr-1(RNAi) results in hyperproliferation and development of dorsal outgrowths. ► Smed-egfr-3 is expressed in stem cells and differentiated cell types. ► Smed-egfr-3(RNAi) inhibits blastema formation and cell differentiation.