Title

Hydra, the everlasting embryo, confronts aging

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

International Journal of Developmental Biology

Publication Date

8-6-2012

Abstract

Existing data imply that the cnidarian Hydra vulgaris does not undergo senescence. In contrast, the related species Hydra oligactis shows increased mortality and physiological deterioration following sexual reproduction. Hydra thus offers the chance to study a striking difference in lifespan in members of the same genus. Adult Hydra possess three well-characterized stem cell populations, one of which gives rise to both somatic cells and gametes. The lack of senescence in Hydra vulgaris raises the question of how these stem cell populations are maintained over long periods of time. Investigation of the roles in Hydra of proteins involved in cellular stress responses in other organisms should provide insight into this issue. Proteins of particular interest include the Hsp70 family proteins and the transcription factor FoxO. © UBC Press.

Volume

56

Issue

6-8

First Page

479

Last Page

487

DOI

10.1387/ijdb.113461dm

ISSN

02146282

PubMed ID

22689361

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