Isolated, mononucleated, striated muscle can undergo pluripotent transdifferentiation and form a complex regenerate.

Abstract

Isolated, mononucleated, cross-striated muscle of a medusa can be activated by collagenase treatment to transdifferentiate completely to various new cell types and to regenerate autonomously the sexual (without gametes) and feeding organ of the animal. Under these circumstances all isolated muscle fragments produce smooth muscle cells and a glandular cell type (y-cells). When culture conditions are appropriate, endoderm is also formed, followed by regeneration of a complex organ of seven or eight new non-muscle cell types, including nematocytes, digestive, secretory, gland, interstitial, and presumably nerve cells.