Stem cell-based growth, regeneration, and remodeling of the planarian intestine.

ABSTRACT: Although some animals are capable of regenerating organs, the mechanisms by which this is achieved are poorly understood. In planarians, pluripotent somatic stem cells called neoblasts supply new cells for growth, replenish tissues in response to cellular turnover, and regenerate tissues after injury. For most tissues and organs, however, the spatiotemporal dynamics of stem cell differentiation and the fate of tissue that existed prior to injury have not been characterized systematically. Utilizing in vivo imaging and bromodeoxyuridine pulse-chase experiments, we have analyzed growth and regeneration of the planarian intestine, the organ responsible for digestion and nutrient distribution. During growth, we observe that new gut branches are added along the entire anteroposterior axis. We f

SUBMITTER: Forsthoefel DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3490491 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature