Unfortunately, the research on marine organisms is lagging behind the studies on vertebrates and some invertebrate model organisms (like Drosophila melanogaster), despite the discoveries that very potent stem cells exist, even in the most primitive multicellular marine organisms (like sponges and cnidarians). Recent studies further revealed similarities between the biological properties of stem cells in marine organisms and the vertebrates. They confirmed the existence of unique features associated with stem cells from marine organisms that lead to phenomena such as somatic and germ cell parasitism, or whole-body regeneration. The lecture holds 14 chapters on marine stem cells, including theoretical chapters, overview essays, and specific research outcomes.
By the end of the course, the students are expected to understand the general concepts of Stem Cells in Marine Organisms;