neoblast
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Neoblasts (ˈniːəʊˌblæst) are adult stem cells found in planarian flatworms. They are the only dividing planarian cells, and they produce all cell types, including the germline. Neoblasts are abundant in the planarian parenchyma, and comprise up to 30 percent of all cells. Following injury, neoblasts rapidly divide and generate new cells, which allows planarians to regenerate any missing tissue.
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Article
10 sectionsContents
- Characteristics
- Blastema formation
- Molecular characteristics
- Components of chromatoid bodies
- Piwi and the interaction of small RNAs in neoblasts
- Neoblast specialization
- Signaling pathways affecting neoblasts
- History
- Application
- References
Neoblasts (ˈniːəʊˌblæst) are adult stem cells found in planarian flatworms. They are the only dividing planarian cells, and they produce all cell types, including the germline. Neoblasts are abundant in the planarian parenchyma, and comprise up to 30 percent of all cells. Following injury, neoblasts rapidly divide and generate new cells, which allows planarians to regenerate any missing tissue.
== Characteristics == Neoblasts are somatic adult stem cells that are abundant in planarians. Morphologically, neoblasts are round and small, 5 to 10 μm, and have a large nucleus and scant cytoplasm. They are the only dividing planarian cells. Neoblasts are found in the planarian parenchyma across the entire body, outside organ systems. The only regions that lack neoblasts completely are the pharynx and the head tip.