Regeneration of the radial nerve cord in the sea cucumber Holothuria glaberrima

BioMed Central, 2009 · DOI: 10.1186/1471-213X-9-3 · Published: January 6, 2009

Regenerative Medicine Neurology Genetics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the regeneration of the radial nerve cord (RNC) in the sea cucumber Holothuria glaberrima after it has been cut. Sea cucumbers have amazing regenerative abilities. The researchers found that the sea cucumber can completely regenerate its RNC within a month. The new RNC looks a lot like the original. This regeneration involves the growth of nerve fibers, cell division to make new neurons, and programmed cell death to sculpt the new tissue. These processes are similar to those seen in wound healing and gut regeneration in sea cucumbers.

Study Duration

4 weeks

Participants

Holothuria glaberrima sea cucumbers

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Holothuria glaberrima can regenerate its radial nerve cord within a month following transection.
2
Regeneration involves both the outgrowth of nerve fibers and the formation of neurons.
3
The cellular events employed during regeneration are similar to those involved in other regenerative processes, namely wound healing and intestinal regeneration.

Research Summary

This study demonstrates that the sea cucumber Holothuria glaberrima can fully regenerate its radial nerve cord (RNC) after transection, restoring its morphology and cellular composition within a month. The regeneration process involves nerve fiber outgrowth, intense cell division in the cord stumps and regenerating cords, elevated apoptosis levels near the injury and within the regenerating cord, and an increase in spherule-containing cells. These findings highlight the sea cucumber as a valuable model for studying nervous system regeneration in deuterostomes, offering insights into the mechanisms underlying nerve fiber regrowth and neuron formation.

Practical Implications

Model for CNS Regeneration

Holothurians can serve as an alternative model for studying nervous system regeneration in deuterostomes.

Comparative Regeneration Studies

The study provides insights into the similarities and differences in nerve regeneration across different animal species.

Therapeutic Potential

Understanding the permissive environment for nerve regeneration in holothurians may inform future therapy-related studies.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of direct proof that regeneration is not solely the joining back of severed nerve stumps.
2
Detailed experiments are needed to fully determine that all cell populations and fiber connections are present.
3
Limited knowledge about echinoderm radial nerve circuitry and nervous system physiology makes it hard to asses extent of morphological connectivity and functional recovery.

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