Nanos2+cells give rise to germline and somatic lineages in the sea anemoneNematostella vectensis

• DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.07.570436
• Publication Date: 2023-12-08T17:50:21Z
• Authors: Andreas Denner; Julia Steger; Alexander Ries; Elizaveta Morozov...; Josefine Ritter; Franziska Haas; Alison G. Cole; Ulrich Technau
• Keywords: Piwi-interacting RNA

Abstract In all animals, stem cell populations of varying potency facilitate regeneration and tissue homeostasis. Notably, germline cells in both vertebrates invertebrates express highly conserved RNA-binding proteins, such as nanos, vasa piwi . Interestingly, which are capable whole-body regeneration, poriferans, hydrozoans planarians, these genes also expressed somatic multi- pluripotent cells, led to the proposal that they had an ancestral role cells. While interstitial have been identified hydrozoans, not unambiguously demonstrated other cnidarian classes. Therefore, it is currently unclear if systems share a common evolutionary origin or adapted individually different lineages homoplasy. We therefore aimed characterize expressing marker sea anemone Nematostella vectensis , gain insight shared traits governing regulation this enigmatic type. Through single transcriptomics, we identify associated markers piwi1 nanos2 soma germline. Transgenic reporter reveal lineage giving rise consistent with multipotent population. Cell proliferation studies show fraction nanos2+ cycling CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene knockout progenitor indispensable for male female maintenance This suggests nanos cnidarians.