Loss of DNA Mismatch Repair Imparts a Selective Advantage in Planarian Adult Stem Cells
2011

DNA Repair and Survival Advantage in Planarian Stem Cells

Sample size: 10 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hollenbach Jessica P., Resch Alissa M., Palakodeti Dasaradhi, Graveley Brenton R., Heinen Christopher D.

Primary Institution: University of Connecticut Health Center

Hypothesis

Does loss of DNA mismatch repair provide pre-cancerous stem cells a selective advantage?

Conclusion

Loss of DNA mismatch repair provides an in vivo survival advantage to planarian stem cells in the presence of DNA damage.

Supporting Evidence

  • Planarians lacking MMR were more tolerant to DNA damage than control animals.
  • Smed-msh2(RNAi) animals showed increased survival with a marked delay in death after DNA damage.
  • Loss of MMR provided adult stem cells with a survival advantage in a cytotoxic environment.

Takeaway

When planarians lose a specific DNA repair function, they can survive better when exposed to harmful substances that damage their DNA.

Methodology

Planarians were treated with RNA interference to deplete Smed-msh2 and then exposed to DNA damaging agents to assess survival and regeneration.

Limitations

The study did not observe long-term tumor formation in Smed-msh2(RNAi) animals, which may limit the understanding of the implications of MMR loss.

Participant Demographics

Asexual and sexual strains of Schmidtea mediterranea planarians were used.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.024

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0021808

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