We have isolated and identified the vasa homologue macvasa, expressed in testes, ovaries,
eggs and somatic stem cells of the flatworm Macrostomum lignano. Molecular tools such as …

Since first described, acoels were considered members of the flatworms (Platyhelminthes).
However, no clear synapomorphies among the three large flatworm taxa - the Catenulida, the …

Natural killer (NK) cells are important in the immune defense against tumor cells and pathogens,
and they regulate other immune cells by cytokine secretion. Although murine NK cell …

Background Tissue plasticity and a substantial regeneration capacity based on stem cells
are the hallmark of several invertebrate groups such as sponges, cnidarians and …

Regeneration-capable flatworms are informative research models to study the mechanisms
of stem cell regulation, regeneration, and tissue patterning. However, the lack of …

Sex allocation theory is considered as a touchstone of evolutionary biology, providing some
of the best supported examples for Darwinian adaptation. In particular, Hamilton's local mate …

The flatworm stem cell system is exceptional within the animal kingdom, as totipotent stem
cells (neoblasts) are the only dividing cells within the organism. In contrast to most organisms, …

The gradual reprogramming of haematopoietic precursors into the T-cell fate is characterized
by at least two sequential developmental stages. Following Notch1-dependent T-cell …

Background Flatworms are characterized by an outstanding stem cell system. These stem
cells (neoblasts) can give rise to all cell types including germ cells and power the exceptional …

Although hematopoietic precursor activity can be generated in vitro from human embryonic
stem cells, there is no solid evidence for the appearance of multipotent, self-renewing and …