Cellular migration, transition and interaction during regeneration of the sponge Hymeniacidon heliophila

Abstract

Sponges have a high capacity for regeneration and this process improves biomass production in some species, thus contributing to a solution for the biomass supply problem for biotechnological applications. The aim of this work is to characterize the dynamics of cell behavior during the initial stages of sponge regeneration, using bright-field microscopy, confocal microscopy and SEM. We focused on the first 20 h of regeneration, during which blastema formation and epithelium initialization occur. An innovative sponge organotypic culture of the regenerating internal region is described and investigated by confocal microscopy, cell transplantation and vital staining. Cell-cell interaction and cell density are shown to affect events in morphogenesis such as epithelial/mesenchymal and mesenchymal/epithelial transitions as well as distinct cell movements required for regeneration. Extracellular matrix was organized according to the morphogenetic process observed, with evidence for cell-signaling instructions and remodeling. These data and the method of organotypic culture described here provide support for the development of viable sponge biomass production.

Spontaneously Regenerative Tough Hydrogels

“…[1][2][3] Sponges, Neofibularia nolitangere, the simplest form of multicellular organisms, has a fascinating regenerative capacity. Synthetic materials with such capabilities are highly desired but hardly achieved.…”

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Sponges, Neofibularia nolitangere, can regenerate spontaneously after being broken down into small pieces, and the regenerated structure maintains the original appearance and function. [1,2] In sea water, small fragments of cell aggregates that are dissociated from Neofibularia nolitangere can fuse into functional mass and reassemble into its original form after being prompted. Presented here is a spongeinspired self-regenerative powder from a double-network (DN) tough hydrogel.

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“…Synthetic materials with such capabilities are highly desired but hardly achieved. [1,2] The capacity for reconstruction after injury is rare, but highly desired in synthetic materials, which typically deteriorate and even fail after repetitive exposure to mechanical strain.There are some reports addressing self-healing materials that can partially, or even completely restore their mechanical properties. Hydrogels are regenerated from their powder form, by addition of water, with preservation of the original appearance and mechanical properties.…”

“…[1][2][3] Sponges, Neofibularia nolitangere, the simplest form of multicellular organisms, has a fascinating regenerative capacity. [1][2][3] Sponges, Neofibularia nolitangere, the simplest form of multicellular organisms, has a fascinating regenerative capacity.…”

“…[1][2][3] Sponges, Neofibularia nolitangere, the simplest form of multicellular organisms, has a fascinating regenerative capacity. [1,2] The capacity for reconstruction after injury is rare, but highly desired in synthetic materials, which typically deteriorate and even fail after repetitive exposure to mechanical strain. The regeneration of Neofibularia nolitangere is a consequence of a complex collaboration of multiple cell types through metabolism.…”