Meeting Abstract

13.5  Jan. 4  Development of the nervous system in Nematostella vectensis, an anthozoan cnidarian MARLOW, H.**; MATUS, D.Q.; MARTINDALE, M.Q.; Kewalo Marine Laboratory, University of Hawaii; Kewalo Marine Laboratory, University of Hawaii; Kewalo Marine Laboratory, University of Hawaii marlow@hawaii.edu

Due to their phylogenetic position as sister taxa to the bilateria, as well as their reportedly simple nervous system organization, cnidarians are an interesting model for the understanding of the evolution and development of the nervous system. The anthozoan cnidarian Nematostella vectensis (the starlet sea anemone) is an increasingly suitable model for many reasons: embryogenesis is easily observed and manipulated, the complete genome is now available, and many experimental tools have been developed. Utilizing degenerate PCR and genomic resources, we have identified many gene families and pathways involved in specificaion, determination, guidance and differentiation of the nervous system that are conserved between N. vectensis and bilaterian systems such as arthropod, nematode and vertebrate models. Through in situ hybridization and antibody labeling, we have characterized the structure of the N. vectensis nervous system during the course of development. N. vectensis neural cells originate in the ectoderm of early planula stages. In the adult polyp, we have identified neuralized regions such as mesenteries, the oral nerve ring, and pharyngeal ectoderm. In addition, we have characterized subsets of neurons based on their expression of specific neurotransmitters, such as GABA, FMRF-amide, and serotonin. We have also determined developmental genes such as the Notch/Delta and pro-neural specification pathways as well as the netrin and neogenin guidance systems share a conserved role in neurogenesis between cnidarians and bilaterian systems.