Why polyps regenerate and we don't: towards a cellular and molecular framework for Hydra regeneration.
The basis for Hydra's enormous regeneration capacity is the "stem cellness" of its epithelium which continuously undergoes self-renewing mitotic divisions and also has the option to follow differentiation pathways. Now, emerging molecular tools have shed light on the molecular processes controlling these pathways. In this review I discuss how the modular tissue architecture may allow continuous replacement of cells in Hydra. I also describe the discovery and regulation of factors controlling the transition from self-renewing epithelial stem cells to differentiated cells.
Bosch
Thomas C G
TC
Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Olshausenstrasse 40, 24098 Kiel, Germany. tbosch@zoologie.uni-kiel.de
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology; D006829:Hydra / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D012038:Regeneration / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D051153:Wnt Proteins / Q000378:metabolism
D051153:Wnt Proteins