Transgenic Hydra

Transgenic freshwater polyps are genetically modified freshwater polyps ( Hydra ), which are used in basic research.

By microinjection of expression plasmids into embryos foreign genes can be introduced into the cells of the polyp. The genetically labeled cells, which are now, for example, a green fluorescence (see GFP) can be used to study in the completely transparent polyps, which the cells move and how they differentiate themselves. Furthermore, the modified cells can be specifically made ​​to " to turn " any genes at any time at any location in the Hydra body. When the as- activated genes are important, one would expect a significant impact on the organism. This can then be important conclusions about the functions of the genes concerned.

From the study of the cells in this simply -built animal, scientists promise insights into the mechanisms that regulate stem cell behavior and have led in the course of evolution to the emergence of complex cell systems.

Hydra as a model system

Since Hydra has many of the genes that are similar to those in the human genome homologous and come for the development and pathogen defense to function, allow the transgenic cells in this model organism functional studies that were previously not possible in more complex organisms, including humans.