Molecular characterization of planarian excretory genes

Precise organ development requires organized gene expression to generate a functional system. When this process fails, it often results in disease. The planarian excretory system is an excellent model for studying human kidney development disease due to shared cellular and molecular homology. Having the ability to regenerate organ systems, various molecular tools can be used to determine the significance of a particular gene to this development. Previously RNA seq identified approximately 80 genes with enriched expression in protonephridia. Using RNAi screening methods, these genes were knocked down, and planarians were cut to force protonephridia regeneration. Seven genes were found to be essential for normal excretory development and will be invested further to better understand the role these genes play in protonephridia regeneration.https://digitalcommons.snc.edu/collaborative_presentations/1029/thumbnail.jp