Int. J. Dev. Biol. 56: 535 - 542 (2012)

https://doi.org/10.1387/ijdb.113462rs

Vol 56, Issue 6-7-8

Special Issue: The Hydra Model System

The Hydra genome: insights, puzzles and opportunities for Developmental Biologists

Published: 5 June 2012

Robert E. Steele*

Department of Biological Chemistry and the Developmental Biology Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA

Abstract

The sequencing of a Hydra genome marked the beginning of a new era in the use of Hydra as a developmental model. Analysis of the genome sequence has led to a number of interesting findings, has required revisiting of previous work, and most importantly presents new opportunities for understanding the developmental biology of Hydra. This review will de-scribe the history of the Hydra genome project, a selection of results from it that are relevant to developmental biologists, and some future research opportunities provided by Hydra genomics.

Keywords

Hydra, genome, evolution, Cnidaria