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Reverse development in the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi
Joan J Soto-Angel1,2, Pawel Burkhardt1
1Michael Sars Centre, University of Bergen, Bergen 5008, Norway.
Summary
The ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi can reverse its development and rejuvenate after stress, challenging previous assumptions about this ability. This discovery opens new avenues for studying animal development and life cycle plasticity.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Reverse development, or rejuvenation, is a rare phenomenon previously thought limited to a few Cnidaria species.
- Turritopsis dohrnii is the only known species capable of transdifferentiation after sexual maturity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for reverse development in ctenophores.
- To establish Mnemiopsis leidyi as a model organism for studying rejuvenation.
Main Methods:
- Inducing stress in mature Mnemiopsis leidyi specimens.
- Observing morphological changes following a period of feeding after stress.
- Documenting the transition from a mature lobate stage to an early cydippid stage.
Main Results:
- Mnemiopsis leidyi demonstrated the capacity for reverse development.
- Reversal occurred from the mature lobate stage to the early cydippid stage.
- The process was observed following stress and subsequent feeding.
Conclusions:
- Mnemiopsis leidyi possesses the ability to undergo reverse development, expanding the known range of this phenomenon.
- This finding highlights the plasticity of developmental programs in ctenophores.
- Mnemiopsis leidyi is a promising model system for research into development, evolution, and rejuvenation.
