Inhibition of Runx by Ro5-3335 Affects Nematostella Regeneration

Abstract

The sea anemone, Nematostella vectensis, has the ability to fully regenerate amputated body parts. We hypothesize that Runx, a transcription factor, controls the cellular processes for regeneration, specifically the transition between cellular proliferation and cellular differentiation. A known inhibitor to the Runx pathway is Ro5-3335, a benzodiazepine. Inhibiting the Runx pathway by Ro5-3335 will help determine if Runx is necessary for proper regeneration in Nematostella. We introduced bisected Nematostella polyps to Ro5-3335 for a 24-48 period and observed regeneration of oral ends. Tentacle regeneration appeared delayed in treated polyps compared to the controls. It was not until three weeks post-treatment that the treated animals recovered normal regeneration. We conclude that Ro5-3335 appears to repress regeneration in the polyps which suggests that the Runx pathway is important for proper regeneration in Nematostella.