Discovery of HyJagged, a Notch Ligand in Hydra
Author Information
Author(s): Andrea Prexl, Sandra Münder, Bernhard Loy, Elisabeth Kremmer, Susanne Tischer, Angelika Böttger
Primary Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Hypothesis
Is there a Notch ligand in Hydra that plays a role in boundary formation during budding?
Conclusion
HyJagged is a conserved Notch ligand in Cnidarians that may be involved in the formation of the parent-bud boundary in Hydra.
Supporting Evidence
- Hyjagged mRNA is undetectable in adult Hydra but is strongly upregulated at the border between bud and parent.
- HyJagged protein is found in all cell types of adult Hydra, localizing to membranes and endosomes.
- Co-localization experiments showed that HyJagged is present in the same cells as HvNotch.
Takeaway
Scientists found a protein called HyJagged in Hydra that helps cells communicate during the budding process, which is when a new Hydra grows from the parent.
Methodology
The study involved cloning the HyJagged gene, analyzing its expression through in situ hybridization, and examining protein localization using immunofluorescence.
Limitations
The study did not provide experimental evidence for direct interactions between HyJagged and HvNotch.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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