Integrin-alpha-6+ Candidate stem cells are responsible for whole body regeneration in the invertebrate chordate Botrylloides diegensis

Abstract

Clonal ascidians are able to undergo whole body regeneration (WBR), where entire new bodies can be regenerated from blood vessel fragments. Here, the authors provide evidence in Botrylloides diegensis supporting pou3 and vasa expressing blood-borne cells isolated with anti-IA6 antibody as candidate stem cells responsible for WBR.