01825nas a2200157   4500008004100000245011700041210006900158300000700227490000700234520129900241100001701540700001901557700001701576700002501593856004901618       2011                        eng d00aMolecular markers to characterize the hermaphroditic reproductive system of the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea0 aMolecular markers to characterize the hermaphroditic reproductiv  a690 v113 a<p>Background The freshwater planarian Schmidtea mediterranea exhibits two distinct reproductive modes. Individuals of the sexual strain are cross-fertilizing hermaphrodites with reproductive organs that develop post-embryonically. By contrast, individuals of the asexual strain reproduce exclusively by transverse fission and fail to develop reproductive organs. These different reproductive strains are associated with distinct karyotypes, making S. mediterranea a useful model for studying germline development and sexual differentiation. Results To identify genes expressed differentially between these strains, we performed microarray analyses and identified &gt;800 genes that were upregulated in the sexual planarian. From these, we characterized 24 genes by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), revealing their expression in male germ cells or accessory reproductive organs. To identify additional markers of the planarian reproductive system, we also used immuno- and fluorescent lectin staining, identifying several antibodies and lectins that labeled structures associated with reproductive organs. Conclusions Collectively, these cell-type specific markers will enable future efforts to characterize genes that are important for reproductive development in the planarian.</p>
1 aChong, Tracy1 aStary, Joel, M1 aWang, Yuying1 aNewmark, Phillip, A.  uhttp://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-213X/11/69