The hormonal control of reproduction and regeneration
What could be the function of ancestral-type hormones in Platynereis? One of the systems that we dissect is the hormonal machinery orchestrating reproduction and regeneration. Platynereis is an excellent object for this analysis, as it has been a central model for the link between chronobiology and reproduction. Our bioinformatic analyses, as well as transcriptomic, proteomic and targeted biochemical analyses, have revealed a spectrum of hormones present in Platynereis. Thanks to the establishment of new molecular tools, we are now able to systematically assess the impact of these candidates on the development and maturation of the animals. These experiments are supported by an ERC starting grant (HOR.MOON), as well as a University of Vienna Research Platform ("Rhythms of Life") that allows us to interact with colleagues from the Analytical Chemistry and Neurobiology. Together, we have recently gained critical insight into one of the enigmatic hormones involved in the synchronized reproduction of the animal.
Exploring a new marine model system
Over the past years, Platynereis has emerged as a very promising “next-generation” model system. We have pioneered transgenic technology in Platynereis that allows us to mark and interrogate cell types with unprecedented precision. Likewise, we have helped to establish targeted mutagenesis in the worm, allowing us to test if a given gene is required for regeneration or reproductive timing. Finally, we make use of the remarkable transparency of Platynereis to observe neurons and stem cells in the living animal. These approaches provide entry points into the fascinating biology of a new marine model species. Besides the action of hormones, we are actively investigating the evolution of gene-regulatory logic and the orchestration of cellular processes involved in the sculpting of bristles. Our vision is to firmly establish Platynereis as a reference species for marine biology.
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