Charlotte Kanzler

Current Research

Investigating the role of the planarian somatic ovary in germ cell development

Proper germ cell development is vital to the continuation of sexually reproducing species. In order to mature correctly, germ cells are aided by a variety of somatic support cells, which contribute nutrients, signals, and RNA to the developing germline. My work involves investigating the role of the somatic ovary within the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea in order to shed light on novel and conserved molecular mechanisms governing oocyte maturation and regeneration.