Function of Wnt signaling in Hydra regeneration

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Thomas W. Holstein
• Subject Area: Developmental Biology
• Term: from 2009 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 58160712

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.

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 1036: Mechanisms, Functions and Evolution of Wnt-signalling Pathways