From stem cell to complex sperm in the Rhabditophoran Macrostomum lignano
Willems, M.; Leroux, F.; Huysentruyt, F.; Adriaens, D.; Claeys, M.; Artois, T.; Borgonie, G. (2008). From stem cell to complex sperm in the Rhabditophoran Macrostomum lignano. J. Morphol. 269(12): 1481. https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jmor.10683
In: Journal of Morphology. The Wistar Institute Press/Wiley: Philadelphia, Pa . ISSN 0362-2525; e-ISSN 1097-4687, more
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Document type: Summary
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| Keywords |
Macrostomum lignano Ladurner, Schärer, Salvenmoser & Rieger, 2005 [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Abstract |
Macrostomum lignano possesses a unique stem cell system (neoblasts) responsible for tissue-turnover, growth, regeneration, and germ line formation. Its somatic gonads as well as the germ line are formed during postembryonic development. This study was aimed at assessing the germ line formation in M. lignano. We mainly focused on the differentiation of primordial germ line stem cells to sperm using different techniques such as a light microscopical analysis and a transmission electron microscopic study mainly of the adult testis. 3D reconstructions were made based on TEM sections. The spermatozoa have a complex morphology with bristles, a terminal brush and an undulating shaft. It is still unclear how these morphological features develop. We found new intracellular structures associated with the bristles, which are transiently developed through spermiogenesis. Spermiogenesis of M. lignano will be discussed and compared to data on spermiogenesis in other species of Macrostomum and other platyhelminth taxa. More specifically, the developmental implications of bristle formation will also be discussed. |
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