Invasive tumors in Hydra

ABSTRACT: The molecular nature of malignant tumors is well studied in vertebrates, while their evolutionary origin remains unknown. In particular, there is no evidence for naturally occurring malignant tumors in pre-bilaterian animals, such as sponges and cnidarians. This is somewhat surprising given that recent computational studies have predicted that all metazoans are prone to develop tumors. Here we provide first evidence for naturally occurring tumors in Hydra oligactis. Histological, cellular and molecular data reveal that these tumors are transplantable and caused by differentiation arrest of female gametes. Growth of tumor cells is independent from the cellular environment. Tumor bearing polyps have significantly reduced fitness. In addition, Hydra tumors show a greatly altered transcriptome

ORGANISM(S): Hydra oligactis

SUBMITTER: Tomislav Domazet-Loso 

PROVIDER: E-GEOD-56287 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress