Stem cells are the basis for the regeneration and homeostasis of our body, such as constant renewal
of our blood system, our skin and the intestinal epithelium. A disturbed balance between stem cells
and their differentiation into defined cells and tissues can lead to cancer and premature ageing. Sea
anemones and other cnidarians are simple organisms that have an extreme ability to regenerate and
are almost immortal.
In this project, Ulrich Technaus group is aiming to detect and characterize the stem cells in the sea
anemone Nematostella vectensis. Using a combination of modern cellular and molecular genetic
methods, such as genetic labeling, elimination and transplantation of stem cells, the aim is to clarify,
whether the stem cells are multipotent, i.e. whether they can differentiate into several different cell
types like neurons and gland cells, or whether all cell types have their own stem cells. The targeted
deactivation of certain genes using CRISPR gene scissors is intended to show which genes play an
important role in this process. These studies are intended to clarify what the basis is for the sea
anemones ability to regenerate and its longevity.