2024/08/24 by Antoine M. Dujon, Justine Boutry, Sophie Tissot +5 · 1 voice · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Earth and Planetary Sciences · Environmental Science · #Biology #Cell #Computer science #Context (archaeology) #Ecology #Evolutionary biology #Evolutionary dynamics #Genetics #Lernaean Hydra #Marine Ecology and Invasive Species #Marine Invertebrate Physiology and Ecology #Multicellular organism #Myxozoan Parasites in Aquatic Species #Population #Vulnerability (computing)
paper · doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175785
openalex publication_date 2024/08/24 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
Tumoural processes, ubiquitous phenomena in multicellular organisms, influence evolutionary trajectories of all species. To gain a holistic understanding of their impact on species' biology, suitable laboratory models are required. Such models are characterised by a widespread availability, ease of cultivation, and reproducible tumour induction. It is especially important to explore, through experimental approaches, how tumoural processes alter ecosystem functioning. The cnidarian Hydra oligactis is currently emerging as a promising model due to its development of both transmissible and non-transmissible tumours and the wide breadth of experiments that can be conducted with this species (at the individual, population, mechanistic, and evolutionary levels). However, tumoural hydras are, so far, only documented in Europe, and it is not clear if the phenomenon is local or widespread. In this study we demonstrate that Australian hydras from two independent river networks develop tumours in the laboratory consisting of interstitial stem cells and display phenotypic alterations (supernumerary tentacles) akin to European counterparts. This finding confirms the value of this model for ecological and evolutionary research on host-tumour interactions. • Tumoral processes are important to understanding evolutionary biology and ecosystem dynamics • There is a need for good laboratory models in a context of increased oncogenic pressures • We show that Hydra oligactis has widespread geographical vulnerabilities to tumorigenesis • This species is thus a great model to study the effect of tumours on ecosystem functioning • We discuss the implications of using this model in future comparative studies