Continuous cell movements rearrange anatomical structures in intact sponges

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Sponges exhibit remarkable regenerative capabilities, but the dynamic cellular processes underlying their intact structure are less understood.
• Previous research on sponge cell-reaggregation suggests a plasticity in cell behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the continuous cellular movements and rearrangements within intact living sponges.
• To elucidate the role of cell motility in the dynamic remodeling of sponge anatomy.

Main Methods:

• Utilized time-lapse cinemicrography to record cellular activity in living intact sponges.
• Observed and analyzed the movement patterns of pinacocytes, mesohyl cells, and choanocytes.

Main Results:

• All three major cell types (pinacocytes, mesohyl cells, choanocytes) exhibit continuous movement and rearrangement.
• Mesohyl cells are the most motile, driving the displacement of spicules, canals, and choanocyte chambers.
• Choanocytes move collectively within chambers, interacting with other cell types to form dynamic excurrent canals.

Conclusions:

• Continuous cellular movement and rearrangement are fundamental to normal sponge morphogenesis.
• The observed processes in intact sponges provide context for understanding sponge cell-reaggregation phenomena.
• Active cell movements and behavioral responses, including selective adhesion, control sponge anatomy remodeling.