Function of Wnt signaling in Hydra regeneration

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Patterning processes during embryogenesis and regeneration probably share common regulatory mechanisms. However, only little is known which mechanisms act during both, normal development and regeneration, and how these mechanisms are activated. Based on new data in vertebrates and cnidarians we propose that signaling centers secreting Wnt ligands have a key role in the regeneration process. Here we want to identify the genetic mechanisms at the onset of the regeneration process in Hydra, i.e. mechanisms underlying the activation of canonical Wnt signaling and of downstream target genes. In combination with the sequenced genome, the Hydra system can therefore yield important new insights into the function of Wnt pathways in regulating regeneration.