Epithelial cell polarization in Nematostella vectensis

Alejandra Figueroa-Clarevega

Epithelial organization is a defining feature of metazoans, although some major structural differences distinguish epithelia in commonly studied vertebrate and invertebrate systems. To complement our studies in Drosophila and develop an evolutionary perspective on mechanisms of epithelial morphogenesis, we are beginning studies on the model cnidarian, Nematostella vectensis. Our long term goal is to better understand the architecture of cnidarian epithelia, and to determine the developmental function of genes that are known to play a crucial and conserved role in apico-basal and planar cell polarization. Technically, we are using a combination of bioinformatics, morpholino/RNAi knockdown experiments, and imaging.

Aissam Ikmi

The evolution of multicelluarity allowed for cellular specialization but required new mechanisms to collectively regulate cell growth and proliferation.  In higher metazoa, from arthropods to mammals, several evolutionary conserved signalling pathways are involved in either organ or organismal growth control. We have identified the components of these pathways in the genome of the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis, an emerging cnidarian model system. Using Morpholino/RNAi-mediated knockdowns, we are now analyzing their role during Nematostella development. In addition, we are using expression of Nematostella genes in transgenic Drosophila to establish conservation of molecular function across vast stretches of evolutionary time. By providing critical new insight into growth control mechanisms at the base of the metazoan phylogeny, these findings will have wide-ranging implications for evolution, development and cancer biology.