Stem cells and regeneration in cnidarians
We have established the cnidarian Hydractinia as a genetically tractable lab animal and characterized its adult pluripotent stem cells (known as i-cells). I am particularly interested in the mechanisms that control pluripotency and the exit from this state during homeostasis and regeneration, the formation of germ cells, and how these relate to similar processes in other animals.
Keywords
Pluripotency / i-cells / evo-devo / germ cells / regeneration