Establishing a model organism for stem cell research: the stem cell system of the rhabditophoran flatworm Macrostomum lignano during embryonic development, post-embryonic development, regeneration and ageing

The model system approach is an extraordinary powerful tool to study animal development or any other biological process. The challenge is to determine the best criteria for choosing new model organisms, given limited resources. Examples of such criteria are that (1) the selected animal should be one in which the trait of interest (e.g. stem cells, regeneration) is patently manifested, (2) the selected animal should be relatively easy to manipulate experimentally and (3) co-option of techniques and resources that were developed for established models should be possible. How flatworms in general and Macrostomum lignano in particular fulfil these criteria is shown in this thesis. Flatworms (Platyhelminthes) are a group of relatively simple, soft-bodied invertebrate animals. We choose to work on the macrostomid M. lignano for numerous reasons (e.g. ease of culture, relatively transparent habitus, short lifespan, quantifiable organ systems and stem cell system, monoclonal antibodies). The central theme of this research project is the neoblast stem cell system. Neoblast are responsible for growth, homeostasis and regeneration, yet many aspects of their biology are still poorly understood (embryonic origin, dynamics in homeostasis, germ line formation). Therefore, we conducted a study to characterize the stem cell system during many phases of the life history of M. lignano. The major goals in this project are: 1. establishing a new model organism in our laboratory: this was one of the most challenging and time-consuming aspects of this project; 2. studying the embryonic (and post-embryonic) development of M. lignano, ultimately with a focus on the neoblast system; 3. analyzing the stem cell dynamics during regeneration in M. lignano; 4. explore the potential of M. lignano as a model for ageing research, especially to study the relation between stem cells and ageing.

Jaar van publicatie:2008

Toegankelijkheid:Closed