open access

https://hdl.handle.net/2115/50019

Stem cell system in asexual and sexual reproduction of Enchytraeus japonensis (Oligochaeta, Annelida)

英語

stem cell

2010-01

Blackwell Publishing

Development, Growth & Differentiation

52(1)

43-55

Enchytraeus japonensis is a small oligochaete species that proliferates asexually via fragmentation and regeneration. As sexual reproduction can also be induced, it is a good model system for the study of both regenerative and germline stem cells. It has been shown by histological study that putative mesodermal stem cells called neoblasts, and dedifferentiated epidermal and endodermal cells are involved in blastema formation. Recently, we isolated three region-specific marker genes expressed in the digestive tract and showed by in situ hybridization that morphallactic as well as epimorphic regulation of the body patterning is occurred during regeneration. We also cloned two vasa-related genes and analyzed their expression during development and in mature worms that undergo sexual reproduction. The results arising form these studies suggest that the origin and development of germline stem cells and neoblasts may be independent. Furthermore, we performed functional analysis using RNA interference (RNAi) and showed that a novel gene termed grimp is required for mesodermal cell proliferation at the initial stages of regeneration. These findings indicate that the stem cell system in E. japonensis is regulated by both internal and external environmental factors.

学術雑誌論文

Accepted Manuscript

The definitive version is available at wileyonlinelibrary.com

0012-1592

1440-169X