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From worm to germ: Germ cell development and regeneration in planarians
Melanie Issigonis1, Phillip A Newmark2
1Regenerative Biology, Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, United States.
Current Topics in Developmental Biology
|June 4, 2019
Summary
Planarian stem cells (neoblasts) and their niches are crucial for germ cell development. Research reveals conserved intrinsic germ cell factors and novel extrinsic signals, including neuroendocrine control and GPCR signaling, regulating reproduction.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Germ cell development is vital for species propagation, involving conserved niches and systemic cues.
- Planarians (Schmidtea mediterranea) are excellent models due to their regenerative capacity, supported by pluripotent neoblasts.
- Functional genomics in planarians enables investigation of germ cell development and reproductive maturation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent discoveries in planarian germ cell development.
- To highlight conserved intrinsic factors and extrinsic signals regulating germ cell development.
- To explore neuroendocrine control and GPCR signaling in planarian reproduction.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies on planarian germ cell development.
- Analysis of functional genomic data.
- Investigation of neoblast and niche interactions.
Main Results:
- Identification of conserved germ cell-intrinsic factors.
- Discovery of somatically derived extrinsic signals regulating germ cell development.
- Uncovering roles for neuroendocrine control and GPCR signaling in planarian reproduction.
Conclusions:
- Planarian germ cell development shares conserved intrinsic mechanisms with other organisms.
- Extrinsic signals, including neuroendocrine and GPCR pathways, play significant roles in planarian reproduction.
- Planarians offer a powerful system to study fundamental aspects of germ cell biology and regeneration.
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