title: Molecular markers to characterize the hermaphroditic reproductive system of the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The freshwater planarian Schmidtea mediterranea exhibits two distinct reproductive modes. Individuals of the sexual strain are cross-fertilizing hermaphrodites with reproductive organs that develop post-embryonically. By contrast, individuals of the asexual strain reproduce exclusively by transverse fission and fail to develop reproductive organs. These different reproductive strains are associated with distinct karyotypes, making S. mediterranea a useful model for studying germline development and sexual differentiation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  To identify genes expressed differentially between these strains, we performed microarray analyses and identified >800 genes that were upregulated in the sexual planarian. From these, we characterized 24 genes by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), revealing their expression in male germ cells or accessory reproductive organs. To identify additional markers of the planarian reproductive system, we also used immuno- and fluorescent lectin staining, identifying several antibodies and lectins that labeled structures associated with reproductive organs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Collectively, these cell-type specific markers will enable future efforts to characterize genes that are important for reproductive development in the planarian.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA. pnewmark@life.illinois.edu
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Chong
authors.forename: Joel M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Stary
authors.forename: Yuying
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Phillip A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Newmark
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism*; D017238:Genes, Helminth; D015801:Helminth Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D037102:Lectins / Q000378:metabolism; D010932:Planarians / Q000502:physiology*; D015854:Up-Regulation
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D015801:Helminth Proteins; D037102:Lectins
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