Mapping how the ‘immortal’ hydra regrows cells may demystify regeneration
The tiny invertebrates can regrow their bodies from just a bit of tissue
SELF-RENEWAL Fluorescent markers reveal which genes are turned on as hydras' stem cells develop into specific cell types. For instance, nerve cells light up magenta in one hydra (second from left). Another (second from right) shows gene activity behind two of the stages of development (early, green; late, red) of the animal’s stinging cells.
Stefan Siebert and Yashodara Abeykoon/Juliano lab at UC Davis