Amber Q. Rock

This paper investigates totipotency and plasticity in the acoel Hofstenia miamia, showing that isolated 4-cell stage macromeres can form whole organisms and that 8-cell stage blastomeres can reprogram to develop into a hatchling worm.

This study identifies PCP pathway components, pk-1 and dgo-1, as essential for anterior and posterior regeneration in Hofstenia miamia, with pk-1 affecting muscle organization and gene expression in tail fragments.

The paper investigates the role of Par-proteins in cell polarity and adhesion in Nematostella vectensis, showing their degradation in gastrodermal cells and their functional association with β-catenin and snail genes.

The paper identifies a new Hox gene expression domain in Nematostella vectensis that patterns the oral-aboral axis via Wnt signaling before gastrulation.