Efficient transgenesis and annotated genome sequence of the regenerative flatworm model Macrostomum lignano

This collaborative effort led by scientists from the European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA) describes the development of the transgenesis method and annotated genome sequence for the flatworm Macrostomum lignano. Flatworms are known for their amazing regenerative capabilities, but lack of genetic manipulation tools was hampering the research. This work lays ground for sophisticated genetic studies using M. lignano as a model and will significantly boost the progress on unravelling the mechanisms of stem cell regulation in the context of regeneration and ageing.

Publication:
Wudarski J, Simanov D, Ustyantsev K, de Mulder K, Grelling M, Grudniewska M, Beltman F, Glazenburg L, Demircan T, Wunderer J, Qi W, Vizoso DB, Weissert PM, Olivieri D, Mouton S, Guryev V, Aboobaker A, Schärer L, Ladurner P, Berezikov E. (2017). Efficient transgenesis and annotated genome sequence of the regenerative flatworm model Macrostomum lignano. Nature Communications 8, 2120.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-017-02214-8