Our laboratory uses the sea cucumber Holothuria glaberrima, as a model system to study different aspects of organogenesis and regeneration as well as comparative neuronal anatomy and evolution. Sea cucumber, which comprises the group holothurians, are coelomate organisms of the phylum echinodermata. They are closely related to chordates by, in contrast to chordates, echibit an impressive ability to regenerate complex structures. In holothurians the regenerative process is evidenced following evisceration in which all major viscera are discarded. In H. glaberrima, regeneration of the intestine in completed in a 4-week period. Our overall goal is to use this model system to understand the process of organogenesis and how the multiplicity of cell types are generated and assembled into a functional organ.
Biology Department
Julio Garcia Diaz Building - JGD220
University of Puerto Rico
San Juan, PR 00931
For inquiries or interest in our research please contact us through
the following:
Phone: 787-764-0000, Ext. 88152
Email: jegarcia@hpcf.upr.edu
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