NEMATODES

taxonomy, morphology and phylogeny

Potential of Macrostomum lignano to recover from gamma-ray irradiation

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2010
Authors:K. De Mulder, Kuales, G., Pfister, D., Egger, B., Seppi, T., Eichberger, P., Borgonie, G., Ladurner, P.
Journal:Cell and Tissue ResearchCell and Tissue Research
Volume:339
Pagination:527-542
Date Published:Mar
ISBN Number:0302-766X
Accession Number:WOS:000275141500006
Abstract:

Stem cells are the only proliferating cells in flatworms and can be eliminated by irradiation with no damage to differentiated cells. We investigated the effect of fractionated irradiation schemes on Macrostomum lignano, namely, on survival, gene expression, morphology and regeneration. Proliferating cells were almost undetectable during the first week post-treatment. Cell proliferation and gene expression were restored within 1 month in a dose-dependent manner following exposure to up to 150 Gy irradiation. During recovery, stem cells did not cross the midline but were restricted within lateral compartments. An accumulated dose of 210 Gy resulted in a lethal phenotype. Our findings demonstrate that M. lignano represents a suitable model system for elucidating the effect of irradiation on the stem cell system in flatworms and for improving our understanding of the recovery potential of severely damaged stem-cell systems.

Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith