Regenerative Neurogenesis in Echinoderms

University Of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras, San Juan PR

Investigators

Abstract

0076347 Garcia Arraras Neurogenesis, or the process by which new nerve cells are formed, is an unusual phenomenon in adult vertebrates. The proposed work focuses on the regeneration of the nervous system, particularly on the neurogenesis that occurs after tissue loss or damage. Holothurians or sea cucumbers will be used to study the formation of new nerve cells, or neurons, in adult organisms. First, the work aims to explore the regeneration capacities of the main nervous system and the associated events of cell division and conversion of the dividing cells into neurons. Second, it studies the regeneration of the enteric nervous system, or the component of the nervous system associated with the digestive tract. Finally, it studies genes coding for proteins known to be important in regenerative and embryological processes. Cellular, histological and molecular techniques will be used to achieve these aims. Neuron loss is associated with mental and motor diseases, learning impairment, memory loss and many other nervous system-related problems. Echinoderms are well known for their amazing regeneration capacities. Studying regenerative neurogenesis in these animals, which are closely related to vertebrates, will provide basic information on the understanding of how neurons are formed and regenerated.