Feeding-dependent tentacle development in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis

Aissam Ikmi (), Petrus J. Steenbergen, Marie Anzo, Mason R. McMullen, Anniek Stokkermans, Lacey R. Ellington and Matthew C. Gibson
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Aissam Ikmi: Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory
Petrus J. Steenbergen: Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory
Marie Anzo: Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory
Mason R. McMullen: Stowers Institute for Medical Research
Anniek Stokkermans: Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory
Lacey R. Ellington: Stowers Institute for Medical Research
Matthew C. Gibson: Stowers Institute for Medical Research

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract In cnidarians, axial patterning is not restricted to embryogenesis but continues throughout a prolonged life history filled with unpredictable environmental changes. How this developmental capacity copes with fluctuations of food availability and whether it recapitulates embryonic mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we utilize the tentacles of the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis as an experimental paradigm for developmental patterning across distinct life history stages. By analyzing over 1000 growing polyps, we find that tentacle progression is stereotyped and occurs in a feeding-dependent manner. Using a combination of genetic, cellular and molecular approaches, we demonstrate that the crosstalk between Target of Rapamycin (TOR) and Fibroblast growth factor receptor b (Fgfrb) signaling in ring muscles defines tentacle primordia in fed polyps. Interestingly, Fgfrb-dependent polarized growth is observed in polyp but not embryonic tentacle primordia. These findings show an unexpected plasticity of tentacle development, and link post-embryonic body patterning with food availability.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18133-0

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