iBRIC -inStem study revealed Poly-A Binding Protein PABP2 regulates stem cell differentiation after injury in Planaria
Tissue regeneration is at the core of regenerative processes like repair and healing after injury. Once we understand how this process happens, and what factors can derail the correct sequence of events in repair, we have a better control on designing therapies. For regeneration, the model organism – worm Planaria – is used because of its large pool of adult pluripotent stem cells (neoblasts) and immense regenerative capacity. In this study from Dr Dararadhi Palakodeti’s lab, a critical role of the Poly-A binding protein PABP2 was discovered in regulating the maintenance and correct differentiation of neoblasts. Worms that lacked the PABP2 protein showed abnormal regeneration after injury since the formation and organization of new tissue after injury was defective. Thus, the protein PABP2 regulates the genes that mediate stem cells differentiation pathways.
Mukundan N, Hariharan N, Sasidharan V, Lakshmanan V, Palakodeti D, Jamora C. Poly (A) binding protein 2 is critical for stem cell differentiation during regeneration in the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2024;12. doi:10.3389/fcell.2024.1433142
