The Wnt code: Deciphering early Wnt interactions in Hydra (A05)

• Subject Area: Developmental Biology
• Term: since 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 331351713

Wnt genes are deeply embedded in metazoan genomes. It was shown that the complete repertoire of Wnt gene families known from vertebrates is present in cnidarians. Most Wnt genes are activated in a cascade-like manner (Wnt code) during pattern and axis formation. Now, the specific functions of different Wnt ligands will be dissected and their interplay with physical cues during regeneration will be analyzed in this collaborative project. It will provide a mechanistic understanding of how biophysical (mechanical) and biochemical (Wnt signaling) cues interact and how specific functions of various Wnt ligands were established in one of the most ancient signaling centers (Hydra head organizer) in animal evolution.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1324: Mechanisms and functions of Wnt signaling
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Thomas W. Holstein; Professor Dr. Motomu Tanaka, since 7/2021