Abstract
Macrostomum lignano is gaining increasing recognition as a model organism for toxicological studies in marine ecosystems and expands the range of simple animal models currently used. Water pollution caused by human activities not only endangers environmental integrity but also affects human health, underlining the need to monitor water pollution effectively. This review describes the distinctive characteristics of M. lignano, including its rapid reproductive cycle, increased sensitivity to environmental variability, and remarkable regenerative abilities. Over the last thirty years, M. lignano has been used in various research areas, particularly molecular biology and toxicology. This endeavor has benefited from significant advances in genome and transcriptome technologies. Recent investigations have revealed its sensitivity to various pollutants and highlighted its potential for assessing toxicological effects at the physiological and molecular levels. Furthermore, the ecological versatility and stable microbiome of M. lignano make it an exemplary model for research into pollutant interactions in marine ecosystems. Despite challenges associated with its complex genomic architecture, ongoing genomic efforts are promising to significantly enhance its utility in toxicological research. This review underscores the pivotal role of M. lignano in advancing environmental health studies and outlines future research directions to maximize its potential as a model organism.