Event Title
Evidence of compensation for loss of the germ line in the marine polychaete annelid, Capitella teleta
Faculty Mentor
Yen Kang France
Keywords
Yen Kang France
Abstract
The germline is necessary for reproduction and survival of the species. Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are undifferentiated stem cells that give rise to germ cells. Many model systems cannot compensate for loss of germline. Capitella teleta, has regenerative ability, and most larval cell types have known origins. Germline compensation was studied in this system by deletion of germline precursor cell, Macromere 3D, in early stage embryos using an infrared laser. Experimental animals were examined for expression of the germline marker CapI-vasa by in situ hybridization in larvae. CapI-vasa is expressed in PGC clusters, the posterior growth zone and foregut of control larvae. In experimental larvae, CapI-vasa was detected in the posterior growth zone and foregut. Most larvae lacked PGC clusters (n=16/23). However, some larvae had PGC clusters (4/23). PGCs are detected in larvae following deletion of a non-germline macromere precursor. Our preliminary data indicates evidence of germline compensation in Capitella teleta.
Session Name:
Biological and Environmental Sciences I
Start Date
4-4-2014 9:00 AM
End Date
4-4-2014 10:00 AM
Location
HSB 144
Evidence of compensation for loss of the germ line in the marine polychaete annelid, Capitella teleta
HSB 144
The germline is necessary for reproduction and survival of the species. Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are undifferentiated stem cells that give rise to germ cells. Many model systems cannot compensate for loss of germline. Capitella teleta, has regenerative ability, and most larval cell types have known origins. Germline compensation was studied in this system by deletion of germline precursor cell, Macromere 3D, in early stage embryos using an infrared laser. Experimental animals were examined for expression of the germline marker CapI-vasa by in situ hybridization in larvae. CapI-vasa is expressed in PGC clusters, the posterior growth zone and foregut of control larvae. In experimental larvae, CapI-vasa was detected in the posterior growth zone and foregut. Most larvae lacked PGC clusters (n=16/23). However, some larvae had PGC clusters (4/23). PGCs are detected in larvae following deletion of a non-germline macromere precursor. Our preliminary data indicates evidence of germline compensation in Capitella teleta.