The Stem Cell Podcast Ep. 282: “Whole-Body Regeneration” Featuring Dr. Mansi Srivastava
Nov 26, 2024
Dr. Mansi Srivastava, a Professor at Harvard and Curator at the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology, dives into the fascinating world of whole-body regeneration using the three-banded panther worm. She reveals how her lab traces adult stem cell lineages and the worm's remarkable ability to regrow organs and even brains. The discussion highlights the importance of diverse model organisms in regenerative medicine and her outreach initiatives aimed at inspiring young scientists. Prepare for a journey through evolution, regeneration, and the future of science communication!
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Naked Mole Rat
- Daylon James mentioned the naked mole rat as a fascinating model organism.
- Its unique biology includes cancer immunity, a long lifespan, and social organization similar to bees.
Panther Worm Challenges
- Mansi Srivastava discussed the challenges of establishing the panther worm as a model system.
- She described the process of finding the worms in Bermuda and developing genetic tools.
Plasticity and Pluripotency
- Panther worms maintain embryonic plasticity, even demonstrating totipotency after asymmetric cleavages.
- This raises questions about how pluripotency is transmitted or established in adult cells.