Research Article

The Flatworm Macrostomum lignano Is a Powerful Model Organism for Ion Channel and Stem Cell Research

Table 1

Biological and experimental properties of M. lignano.

Size1 mm
Total cell number ± 25.000
Neoblasts ± 1600
TransparencyHighly transparent
Culturing mediaf/2 (sea water based)
FeedingDiatom algae (Nitzschia curvilineata)
Embryogenesis5 days
Generation time18 days
Nervous, muscle system, and gonadsSimple
Stem cell systemPluripotent
BrdU/H3 stainingYes (easy by soaking)
RNA interferenceYes (easy by soaking)
Accessibility to eggsSingle eggs (one egg/day per animal)
TransgenicsPossible, by injection into eggs