Understanding Hydra Regeneration

Abstract

Understanding Hydra Regeneration Charisios Tsiairis from the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research explores Hydra Regeneration through genetic programs. Hydras inhabit pristine springs throughout the world and are shaped as hollow tubes constructed by two epithelial layers. These Hydras have a natural ability to regrow a whole organism from a small piece of tissue, and the animal is named after a mythical serpent monster that regrew two heads for every head chopped off. Hydra research can help identify genetic programs that may be present in our own cells, and help people to understand the mechanism of common diseases, such as multiple cancer. This link seems to be present in some of the earliest multicellular species, testifying to the importance of mechanical signals for the proper behaviour of cells.