Z.Q. Yuan, B.S. Zhao, J.Y. Zhang
Published: March 09, 2011
Genet. Mol. Res. 10(1): 410-418
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4238/vol10-1gmr1042
Cite this Article:
Z.Q. Yuan, B.S. Zhao, J.Y. Zhang (2011). Expression patterns of the STAG gene in intact and regenerating planarians (Dugesia japonica). Genet. Mol. Res. 10(1): 410-418. https://doi.org/10.4238/vol10-1gmr1042
About the Authors
Z.Q. Yuan, B.S. Zhao, J.Y. Zhang
Corresponding Author: B.S. Zhao
Email: zhaobosheng@sdut.edu.cn
ABSTRACT
We examined the spatial and temporal expression of the planarian Dugesia japonica STAG-related gene (DjStag), in both intact and regenerating planarians, by whole-mount in situ hybridization and relative quantitative real-time PCR. The first localized transcripts of DjStag were detected in the blastemas three days after amputation, in all regenerates including those from head, tail and trunk pieces. The maximum level of expression of DjStag transcripts occurred at five days after cutting. After regeneration for seven days, DjStag was weakly expressed. A similar decrease occurs regardless of the orientation of the cut. The expression pattern did not differ significantly in the different types of regeneration. Relative quantitative real-time PCR analysis of DjStag mRNA indicated that the expression of DjStag mRNA was increased after amputation compared to that in normal intact planarians, and the maximum level of expression of DjStag transcripts occurred at five days after amputation. All results suggest that DjStag, implicated in planarian regeneration, plays a role in maintaining the ability of pluripotent stem cells to regenerate lost tissue in planarians.
Key words: Planarian, Regeneration, STAG, Gene expression, In situ hybridization.