Examination of germline and somatic intercellular bridges in <i>Hydra vulgaris</i> reveals insights into the evolutionarily conserved mechanism of intercellular bridge formation.

ABSTRACT: Incomplete cytokinesis results in the formation of stable intercellular bridges that have been extensively studied in bilaterians, where they play essential roles in cell-cell communication and coordination of differentiation. However, little is known about their structure and molecular composition in non-bilaterian animals. This study characterizes germline and somatic intercellular bridges in the cnidarian Hydra vulgaris, providing insights into their evolutionary origins and functional significance. We identified key conserved components, including KIF23, F-actin, and phosphotyrosine. Notably, we observed microtubule localization within Hydra ring canals, suggesting previously unrecognized functions for this cytoskeletal component in intercellular bridge formation. Bioinfo

SUBMITTER: Price KL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11870534 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature