The Dr-nanos gene is essential for germ cell specification in the planarian Dugesia ryukyuensis

• DOI: 10.1387/ijdb.113433hn
• Publication Date: 2012-03-27T11:19:20Z
• Authors: Haruka Nakagawa; Hirotsugu Ishizu; Ayako Chinone; Azuya Kobayashi; Midori Matsumoto
• Keywords: Planarian; Planaria

Homologs of <I>nanos</I> are required for the formation and maintenance germline stem cell (GSC) systems gametogenesis in many metazoans. Planarians can change their reproductive mode seasonally, alternating between asexual sexual reproduction; they develop maintain somatic cells (SSCs) GCSs from pluripotent known as neoblasts. We isolated a homolog, <I>Dr-nanos</I>, expressed sequence tags (ESTs) sexualized form <I>Dugesia ryukyuensis</I>. examined expression of<I> Dr-nanos </I>in planarians by <I>in situ </I>hybridization analyzed its function using RNA interference (RNAi) together with planarian sexualization assay. A was identified <I>D. <I>Dr-nanos</I> observed ovarian primordial worms. This increased proportion to localized early ovaries testes. In X-ray-irradiated worms, decreased large extent, indicating that is some subpopulations cells, especially GSCs. During process, worms which <I>Dr-nanos </I>was knocked down RNAi exhibited numbers oogonia failed testes, whereas organs were not affected. conclude essential development germ testes may have stages specification, but organs.