Stanford researchers have sequenced the genome of Botryllus schlosseri, an intriguing small sea creature that is humanity’s closest living invertebrate relative. Known for its remarkable regenerative abilities, Botryllus can regenerate its entire body from blood vessels alone. The study, which sequenced its 580 million base pairs of DNA—compared to the human genome’s over 3 billion—aims to uncover the genetic foundations of its unique regenerative capabilities and immune system, potentially applicable to human medicine.
Botryllus forms colonies and can reproduce asexually, displaying a sophisticated vasculature that parallels human circulatory systems. Researchers found notable homology with genes related to various human diseases and key blood-related genes, suggesting Botryllus as an advantageous model for studying human genetics and immune evolution. The ability of Botryllus to fuse blood vessels with genetically distinct partners reveals insights relevant to transplant medicine, as similar principles govern human allogeneic transplants.
Significantly, the research introduced a patented sequencing technique, yielding precise DNA sequences that could enhance the understanding of human diseases linked to genetic variations. This work not only sheds light on regenerative biology but also opens avenues for improving transplant therapies in humans.
