Abstract
AbstractReverse development, or the ability to rejuvenate by morphological reorganization into the preceding life cycle stage is thought to be restricted to a few species within Cnidaria. To date, the cnidarianTurritopsis dohrniiis the only known species capable of undergoing reverse development after the onset of sexual reproduction. Here, we demonstrate that the ctenophoreMnemiopsis leidyiis capable of reversal from mature lobate to early cydippid when fed following a period of stress. Our findings illuminate central aspects of ctenophore development, ecology, and evolution, and show the high potential ofM. leidyias a new model system to study reverse development and rejuvenation. Besides shedding light on the plasticity of developmental programs, our results raise fundamental questions about early animal development, body plans and life cycles.
Publisher
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory