Nematostella Cell Culturing Project

James, a junior research student has been developing a cell-culturing protocol for Nematostella vectensis, one of our model organisms in the lab. According to James, “I have made breakthroughs in the Nematostella cell culture project through an intensive anti-contamination protocol and modified cell media. In the past, researchers have treated marine invertebrate cell culture like that of Drosophila or vertebrates, leading to minimal success. Creative approaches need to be taken to develop novel protocols that effectively grow cells of these diverse groups, one of them being Cnidaria.” Check out our Facebook page to see James talk about this project: James’ Interview