Sea anemone study identifies potentially regenerative stem cells linked to conserved genes

 Originally published by University of Vienna, on August 19, 2024


A single Nematostella polyp. Credit: Yulia Kraus

The sea anemone Nematostella vectensis is potentially immortal. Using molecular genetic methods, developmental biologists led byUlrich Technau from the University of Vienna have now identified possible candidates for multipotent stem cells in the sea anemone for the first time.

These stem cells are regulated by evolutionary highly conserved genes, which in humans are usually only active in the formation of egg and sperm cells, but give ancient animal phyla such as cnidarians a high degree of regenerative capacity to even escape aging. The results are published in Science Advances and could also provide insights into the human aging process in the future.

"We live as long as our stem cells" is a somewhat bold but essentially accurate statement. Stem cells contribute to the constant renewal of various cells and tissues in humans, e.g. blood cells, skin or hair. If stem cells lose this ability or their number decreases in the course of life, the body ages or develops diseases. Stem cells are therefore of great interest for biomedical research.

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