University of Pittsburgh researchers have extracted a large quantity of total RNA from a robust laboratory strain of Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus allowing for the development of powerful research tools. Hydractinia genomes contain many human disease genes not found in other species and there is a growing need to better understand the genomes so they can be used in research. This isolation of total RNA could lead to the development of a research tool to revolutionize the fields of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine research.
Description
Hydractinia is a small colonial invertebrate, traditionally found growing on snail shells inhabited by hermit crabs. It has an extraordinary ability to regenerate its entire body throughout its lifetime. As a result, it is an emerging model system in biomedical research. Extraction of the total RNA now provides an opportunity to build a yeast two-hybrid library to perform yeast two-hybrid screens and identify and study novel protein-protein interactions.
Applications
- Research tool
- Stem cell studies
- Developmental biology research
- Regenerative medical research
Advantages
Understanding the regenerative abilities of Hydractinia could allow for a greater understanding of the fundamental biology of cell regeneration. In turn, this knowledge could be harnessed to reverse aging, regrow injured organs and regenerate neurons following injury. Currently laborious approaches are required to study their gene function, which limits progress.
The ability to extract large quantities of RNA from a robust and simple to breed Hydractinia species could enable more research in this field. In-depth characterization of the genome structure and gene content revealed that pluripotent adult stem cells (‘i-cells’) are highly enriched in genes widely shared amongst animals and could link results in Hydractinia studies to other animals, increasing understanding in the fields of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
Invention Readiness
A robust laboratory strain of Hydractinia species (H. symbiolongicarpus) has previously been cultivated. Total RNA was extracted from the H. symbiolongicarpus male wildtype strain 291-10 with an estimated genome size of 514 Mb, predicted to contain over 22,000 genes. RNAseq data revealed stem cells and progenitors may use a toolkit shared with all animals highlighting the potential of Hydractinia and its RNA to be a meaningful biological model for research.
IP Status
Research Tool
