Acoel and platyhelminth models for stem-cell research.
Acoel and platyhelminth worms are particularly attractive invertebrate models for stem-cell research because their bodies are continually renewed from large pools of somatic stem cells. Several recent studies, including one in BMC Developmental Biology, are beginning to reveal the cellular dynamics and molecular basis of stem-cell function in these animals.
Biology Department, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA. abely@umd.edu
Alexandra E
AE
Bely
James M
JM
Sikes
D000818:Animals; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D015870:Gene Expression; D017238:Genes, Helminth; D015801:Helminth Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D023421:Models, Animal; D010986:Platyhelminths / Q000166:cytology* / Q000235:genetics; D057905:Stem Cell Research; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*
D015801:Helminth Proteins