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Researchers identify ancient genes controlling potential multipotent stem cells in sea anemones, revealing insights into aging and regeneration.
Researchers working with stem cells have made an important finding, according to University of Vienna scientists. Under Ulrich Technau's direction, the group has discovered putative multipotent stem cells in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis, a species renowned for its astounding capacity for regeneration and even immortality. Their research, which was published in Science Advances, demonstrates how genes that are important for human reproduction and have been conserved throughout evolution control these stem cells.
The sea anemone Nematostella vectensis shows no outward symptoms of age and possesses an amazing ability for regeneration and asexual reproduction through budding. It is a fascinating topic to research stem cells and their longevity because of this feature. Notwithstanding its importance, scientists had until found it difficult to identify the stem cells in charge of these functions.Using advanced "Single Cell Genomics" techniques, Technau and his team identified a large population of cells in the sea anemone that can differentiate into various cell types, including nerve and glandular cells. These cells were previously undetected due to their minute size.
Two evolutionarily conserved genes, nanos and piwi, were essential to this discovery. It has been demonstrated that these genes, which are mostly involved in the production of sperm and egg cells in humans, control the stem cells of sea anemones. Using CRISPR gene-editing technology, the researchers were able to precisely target the nanos2 gene and validate its crucial function in the development of germ cells in sea anemones. The fact that this gene function has persisted for almost 600 million years shows how fundamentally important it is to all organisms.
These discoveries provide possible new light on human aging processes in addition to illuminating the sea anemone's capacity for regeneration. According to the research, figuring out these stem cells' unique characteristics may help progress the fields of longevity and regenerative medicine.
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