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Single-cell atavism reveals an ancient mechanism of cell type diversification in a sea anemone

Author

Listed:
  • Leslie S. Babonis

    (University of Florida
    Cornell University)

  • Camille Enjolras

    (University of Florida)

  • Abigail J. Reft

    (Office of Science and Technology, NOAA Fisheries
    Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History)

  • Brent M. Foster

    (University of Florida)

  • Fredrik Hugosson

    (University of Florida)

  • Joseph F. Ryan

    (University of Florida
    University of Florida)

  • Marymegan Daly

    (The Ohio State University)

  • Mark Q. Martindale

    (University of Florida
    University of Florida)

Abstract

Cnidocytes are the explosive stinging cells unique to cnidarians (corals, jellyfish, etc). Specialized for prey capture and defense, cnidocytes comprise a group of over 30 morphologically and functionally distinct cell types. These unusual cells are iconic examples of biological novelty but the developmental mechanisms driving diversity of the stinging apparatus are poorly characterized, making it challenging to understand the evolutionary history of stinging cells. Using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis, we show that a single transcription factor (NvSox2) acts as a binary switch between two alternative stinging cell fates. Knockout of NvSox2 causes a transformation of piercing cells into ensnaring cells, which are common in other species of sea anemone but appear to have been silenced in N. vectensis. These results reveal an unusual case of single-cell atavism and expand our understanding of the diversification of cell type identity.

Suggested Citation

  • Leslie S. Babonis & Camille Enjolras & Abigail J. Reft & Brent M. Foster & Fredrik Hugosson & Joseph F. Ryan & Marymegan Daly & Mark Q. Martindale, 2023. "Single-cell atavism reveals an ancient mechanism of cell type diversification in a sea anemone," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-36615-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36615-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hiroshi Watanabe & Anne Kuhn & Manami Fushiki & Kiyokazu Agata & Suat Özbek & Toshitaka Fujisawa & Thomas W. Holstein, 2014. "Sequential actions of β-catenin and Bmp pattern the oral nerve net in Nematostella vectensis," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-14, December.
    2. Aissam Ikmi & Sean A. McKinney & Kym M. Delventhal & Matthew C. Gibson, 2014. "TALEN and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing in the early-branching metazoan Nematostella vectensis," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-8, December.
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