Characterization and Expression of Holothurian Wnt Signaling Genes during Adult Intestinal Organogenesis

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Marine Biology

Background:

• Wnt signaling is crucial for stem cell self-renewal in intestinal regeneration.
• Its potential roles in adult organogenesis remain less understood.
• The sea cucumber (Holothuria glaberrima) offers a model for rapid intestinal regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dynamic functions of Wnt signaling during intestinal organogenesis.
• To identify Wnt genes and their expression patterns during sea cucumber intestinal regeneration.
• To explore the involvement of Wnt/β-catenin and Wnt/Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) pathways.

Main Methods:

• RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on various intestinal tissues and regeneration stages.
• Differential gene expression (DGE) analysis was used to identify Wnt gene expression patterns.
• Wnt-associated genes (Frizzled, Disheveled) and pathway activations were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Twelve Wnt genes were identified in H. glaberrima, confirmed in its draft genome.
• Differential gene expression revealed distinct Wnt distributions in early and late regeneration stages.
• Wnt/β-catenin pathway genes were upregulated in early stages; Wnt/PCP pathway genes in late stages.

Conclusions:

• Wnt signaling exhibits diverse roles beyond stem cell self-renewal during intestinal regeneration.
• The findings suggest Wnt signaling actively participates in adult intestinal organogenesis.
• This study provides insights into the complex mechanisms of Wnt-mediated regeneration.