1
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Perales IE, Jones SD, Duan T, Geyer PK. Maintenance of germline stem cell homeostasis despite severe nuclear distortion. Dev Biol 2024; 515:139-150. [PMID: 39038593 PMCID: PMC11317214 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Stem cell loss in aging and disease is associated with nuclear deformation. Yet, how nuclear shape influences stem cell homeostasis is poorly understood. We investigated this connection using Drosophila germline stem cells, as survival of these stem cells is compromised by dysfunction of the nuclear lamina, the extensive protein network that lines the inner nuclear membrane and gives shape to the nucleus. To induce nuclear distortion in germline stem cells, we used the GAL4-UAS system to increase expression of the permanently farnesylated nuclear lamina protein, Kugelkern, a rate limiting factor for nuclear growth. We show that elevated Kugelkern levels cause severe nuclear distortion in germline stem cells, including extensive thickening and lobulation of the nuclear envelope and nuclear lamina, as well as alteration of internal nuclear compartments. Despite these changes, germline stem cell number, proliferation, and female fertility are preserved, even as females age. Collectively, these data demonstrate that disruption of nuclear architecture does not cause a failure of germline stem cell survival or homeostasis, revealing that nuclear deformation does not invariably promote stem cell loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella E Perales
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Samuel D Jones
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Tingting Duan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Pamela K Geyer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
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2
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Verma S, Lin X, Coulson-Thomas VJ. The Potential Reversible Transition between Stem Cells and Transient-Amplifying Cells: The Limbal Epithelial Stem Cell Perspective. Cells 2024; 13:748. [PMID: 38727284 PMCID: PMC11083486 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Stem cells (SCs) undergo asymmetric division, producing transit-amplifying cells (TACs) with increased proliferative potential that move into tissues and ultimately differentiate into a specialized cell type. Thus, TACs represent an intermediary state between stem cells and differentiated cells. In the cornea, a population of stem cells resides in the limbal region, named the limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs). As LESCs proliferate, they generate TACs that move centripetally into the cornea and differentiate into corneal epithelial cells. Upon limbal injury, research suggests a population of progenitor-like cells that exists within the cornea can move centrifugally into the limbus, where they dedifferentiate into LESCs. Herein, we summarize recent advances made in understanding the mechanism that governs the differentiation of LESCs into TACs, and thereafter, into corneal epithelial cells. We also outline the evidence in support of the existence of progenitor-like cells in the cornea and whether TACs could represent a population of cells with progenitor-like capabilities within the cornea. Furthermore, to gain further insights into the dynamics of TACs in the cornea, we outline the most recent findings in other organ systems that support the hypothesis that TACs can dedifferentiate into SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhir Verma
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, 4901 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA;
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110078, India
| | - Xiao Lin
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, 4901 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA;
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3
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Chen J, Li C, Sheng Y, Zhang J, Pang L, Dong Z, Wu Z, Lu Y, Liu Z, Zhang Q, Guan X, Chen X, Huang J. Communication between the stem cell niche and an adjacent differentiation niche through miRNA and EGFR signaling orchestrates exit from the stem cell state in the Drosophila ovary. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002515. [PMID: 38512963 PMCID: PMC10986965 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The signaling environment, or niche, often governs the initial difference in behavior of an adult stem cell and a derivative that initiates a path towards differentiation. The transition between an instructive stem cell niche and differentiation niche must generally have single-cell resolution, suggesting that multiple mechanisms might be necessary to sharpen the transition. Here, we examined the Drosophila ovary and found that Cap cells, which are key constituents of the germline stem cell (GSC) niche, express a conserved microRNA (miR-124). Surprisingly, loss of miR-124 activity in Cap cells leads to a defect in differentiation of GSC derivatives. We present evidence that the direct functional target of miR-124 in Cap cells is the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and that failure to limit EGFR expression leads to the ectopic expression of a key anti-differentiation BMP signal in neighboring somatic escort cells (ECs), which constitute a differentiation niche. We further found that Notch signaling connects EFGR activity in Cap cells to BMP expression in ECs. We deduce that the stem cell niche communicates with the differentiation niche through a mechanism that begins with the selective expression of a specific microRNA and culminates in the suppression of the major anti-differentiation signal in neighboring cells, with the functionally important overall role of sharpening the spatial distinction between self-renewal and differentiation environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Chen
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, Institute of Crop Science, Plant Precision Breeding Academy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chaosqun Li
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yifeng Sheng
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junwei Zhang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lan Pang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, Institute of Crop Science, Plant Precision Breeding Academy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhi Dong
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Wu
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yueqi Lu
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiguo Liu
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qichao Zhang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, Institute of Crop Science, Plant Precision Breeding Academy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xueying Guan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, Institute of Crop Science, Plant Precision Breeding Academy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, Sanya, China
| | - Xuexin Chen
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, Sanya, China
| | - Jianhua Huang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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4
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Eslahi M, Nematbakhsh N, Dastmalchi N, Teimourian S, Safaralizadeh R. Signaling Pathways in Drosophila gonadal Stem Cells. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:154-165. [PMID: 36788694 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230213144531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The stem cells' ability to divide asymmetrically to produce differentiating and self-renewing daughter cells is crucial to maintain tissue homeostasis and development. Stem cell maintenance and differentiation rely on their regulatory microenvironment termed 'niches'. The mechanisms of the signal transduction pathways initiated from the niche, regulation of stem cell maintenance and differentiation were quite challenging to study. The knowledge gained from the study of Drosophila melanogaster testis and ovary helped develop our understanding of stem cell/niche interactions and signal pathways related to the regulatory mechanisms in maintaining homeostasis of adult tissue. In this review, we discuss the role of signaling pathways in Drosophila gonadal stem cell regeneration, competition, differentiation, dedifferentiation, proliferation, and fate determination. Furthermore, we present the current knowledge on how these signaling pathways are implicated in cancer, and how they contribute as potential candidates for effective cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maede Eslahi
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Negin Nematbakhsh
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Narges Dastmalchi
- Department of Biology, University College of Nabi Akram, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shahram Teimourian
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Safaralizadeh
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
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5
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Liu S, Baeg GH, Yang Y, Goh FG, Bao H, Wagner EJ, Yang X, Cai Y. The Integrator complex desensitizes cellular response to TGF-β/BMP signaling. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112007. [PMID: 36641752 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of stem cells requires the concerted actions of niche-derived signals and stem cell-intrinsic factors. Although Decapentaplegic (Dpp), a Drosophila bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) molecule, can act as a long-range morphogen, its function is spatially limited to the germline stem cell niche in the germarium. We show here that Integrator, a complex known to be involved in RNA polymerase II (RNAPII)-mediated transcriptional regulation in the nucleus, promotes germline differentiation by restricting niche-derived Dpp/BMP activity in the cytoplasm. Further results show that Integrator works in various developmental contexts to desensitize the cellular response to Dpp/BMP signaling during Drosophila development. Mechanistically, our results show that Integrator forms a multi-subunit complex with the type I receptor Thickveins (Tkv) and other Dpp/BMP signaling components and acts in a negative feedback loop to promote Tkv turnover independent of its transcriptional activity. Similarly, human Integrator subunits bind transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/BMP signaling components and antagonize their activity, suggesting a conserved role of Integrator across metazoans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Liu
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore
| | - Gyeong Hun Baeg
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore
| | - Feng Guang Goh
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Hongcun Bao
- The Women's Hospital and Institute of Genetics, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hang Zhou 310058, China
| | - Eric J Wagner
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for RNA Biology, Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, KMRB B.9629, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Xiaohang Yang
- The Women's Hospital and Institute of Genetics, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hang Zhou 310058, China
| | - Yu Cai
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
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6
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Jin J, Zhao T. Niche formation and function in developing tissue: studies from the Drosophila ovary. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:23. [PMID: 36707894 PMCID: PMC9881360 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-01035-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult stem cells have a unique ability to self-renew and to generate differentiated daughter cells that are required in the body tissues. The identity of adult stem cells is maintained by extrinsic signals from other cell types, known as niche cells. Thus, the niche is required for appropriate tissue homeostasis. Niche is formed and recruits stem cells during tissue development; therefore, it is essential to establish niche cells and stem cells in proper numbers during development. A small niche may recruit too few stem cells and cause tissue degeneration, while a large niche may maintain too many stem cells and lead to tumorigenesis. Given that vertebrate tissues are not suitable for large-scale forward genetics studies, the Drosophila ovary stands out as an excellent model for studying how multiple niche cell types and germ cells (GCs) are coordinately regulated in vivo. Recent studies are beginning to reveal how various signaling molecules regulate niche formation and how niche cells non-autonomously influence GC number. In this review, we summarize the ovarian niche structure, the key signaling pathways for niche formation, and how niche cells generate extrinsic factors to control GC proliferation during ovarian development. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Jin
- grid.440646.40000 0004 1760 6105School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting Zhao
- grid.411407.70000 0004 1760 2614School of Life Science, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079 People’s Republic of China
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7
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Zhang H, Goh FG, Ng LC, Chen CH, Cai Y. Aedes aegypti exhibits a distinctive mode of late ovarian development. BMC Biol 2023; 21:11. [PMID: 36690984 PMCID: PMC9872435 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01511-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insects live in almost every habitat on earth. To adapt to their diverse environments, insects have developed a myriad of different strategies for reproduction reflected in diverse anatomical and behavioral features that the reproductive systems of females exhibit. Yet, ovarian development remains largely uncharacterized in most species except Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster), a high Diptera model. In this study, we investigated the detailed developmental process of the ovary in Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti), a major vector of various disease-causing pathogens that inhabits tropical and subtropical regions. RESULTS Compared with Drosophila melanogaster, a model of higher Diptera, the processes of pole cell formation and gonad establishment during embryonic stage are highly conserved in Ae. aegypti. However, Ae. aegypti utilizes a distinct strategy to form functional ovaries during larval/pupal development. First, during larval stage, Ae. aegypti primordial germ cells (PGCs) undergo a cyst-like proliferation with synchronized divisions and incomplete cytokinesis, leading to the formation of one tightly packed "PGC mass" containing several interconnected cysts, different from D. melanogaster PGCs that divide individually. This cyst-like proliferation is regulated by the target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway upon nutritional status. Second, ecdysone-triggered ovariole formation during metamorphosis exhibits distinct events, including "PGC mass" breakdown, terminal filament cell degeneration, and pre-ovariole migration. These unique developmental features might explain the structural and behavioral differences between Aedes and Drosophila ovaries. Importantly, both cyst-like proliferation and distinct ovariole formation are also observed in Culex quinquefasciatus and Anopheles sinensis, suggesting a conserved mode of ovarian development among mosquito species. In comparison with Drosophila, the ovarian development in Aedes and other mosquitoes might represent a primitive mode in the lower Diptera. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals a new mode of ovarian development in mosquitoes, providing insights into a better understanding of the reproductive system and evolutionary relationship among insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Zhang
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore
| | - Feng Guang Goh
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Lee Ching Ng
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, 11 Biopolis Way, #06-05/08, Helios Block, Singapore, 138667, Singapore
| | - Chun Hong Chen
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli, 350401, Taiwan
| | - Yu Cai
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore.
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
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8
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Zhao H, Li Z, Kong R, Shi L, Ma R, Ren X, Li Z. Novel intrinsic factor Yun maintains female germline stem cell fate through Thickveins. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:1914-1923. [PMID: 35985332 PMCID: PMC9481913 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Germline stem cells (GSCs) are critical for the reproduction of an organism. The self-renewal and differentiation of GSCs must be tightly controlled to avoid uncontrolled stem cell proliferation or premature stem cell differentiation. However, how the self-renewal and differentiation of GSCs are properly controlled is not fully understood. Here, we find that the novel intrinsic factor Yun is required for female GSC maintenance in Drosophila. GSCs undergo precocious differentiation due to de-repression of differentiation factor Bam by defective BMP/Dpp signaling in the absence of yun. Mechanistically, Yun associates with and stabilizes Thickveins (Tkv), the type I receptor of Dpp/BMP signaling. Finally, ectopic expression of a constitutively active Tkv (TkvQD) completely suppresses GSC loss caused by yun depletion. Collectively, these data demonstrate that Yun functions through Tkv to maintain GSC fate. Our results provide new insight into the regulatory mechanisms of how stem cell maintenance is properly controlled. Novel intrinsic factor Yun is required for female GSC maintenance Yun-defective GSCs undergo differentiation due to Bam upregulation Yun associates with and stabilizes Tkv to regulate GSC maintenance GSC loss in the absence of yun could be rescued by constitutively active Tkv
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Zhengran Li
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Ruiyan Kong
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Lin Shi
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Rui Ma
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Xuejing Ren
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Zhouhua Li
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China.
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Dunipace L, Newcomb S, Stathopoulos A. brinker levels regulated by a promoter proximal element support germ cell homeostasis. Development 2022; 149:274023. [PMID: 35037688 PMCID: PMC8918798 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A limited BMP signaling range in the stem cell niche of the ovary protects against germ cell tumors and promotes germ cell homeostasis. The canonical repressor of BMP signaling in both the Drosophila embryo and wing disc is the transcription factor Brinker (Brk), yet the expression and potential role of Brk in the germarium has not previously been described. Here, we find that brk expression requires a promoter-proximal element (PPE) to support long-distance enhancer action as well as to drive expression in the germarium. Furthermore, PPE subdomains have different activities; in particular, the proximal portion acts as a damper to regulate brk levels precisely. Using PPE mutants as well as tissue-specific RNA interference and overexpression, we show that altering brk expression within either the soma or the germline affects germ cell homeostasis. Remarkably, we find that Decapentaplegic (Dpp), the main BMP ligand and canonical antagonist of Brk, is upregulated by Brk in the escort cells of the germarium, demonstrating that Brk can positively regulate this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Dunipace
- Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, MC114-96, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Susan Newcomb
- Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, MC114-96, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Angelike Stathopoulos
- Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, MC114-96, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
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10
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Hoshino R, Niwa R. Regulation of Mating-Induced Increase in Female Germline Stem Cells in the Fruit Fly Drosophila melanogaster. Front Physiol 2021; 12:785435. [PMID: 34950056 PMCID: PMC8689587 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.785435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In many insect species, mating stimuli can lead to changes in various behavioral and physiological responses, including feeding, mating refusal, egg-laying behavior, energy demand, and organ remodeling, which are collectively known as the post-mating response. Recently, an increase in germline stem cells (GSCs) has been identified as a new post-mating response in both males and females of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. We have extensively studied mating-induced increase in female GSCs of D. melanogaster at the molecular, cellular, and systemic levels. After mating, the male seminal fluid peptide [e.g. sex peptide (SP)] is transferred to the female uterus. This is followed by binding to the sex peptide receptor (SPR), which evokes post-mating responses, including increase in number of female GSCs. Downstream of SP-SPR signaling, the following three hormones and neurotransmitters have been found to act on female GSC niche cells to regulate mating-induced increase in female GSCs: (1) neuropeptide F, a peptide hormone produced in enteroendocrine cells; (2) octopamine, a monoaminergic neurotransmitter synthesized in ovary-projecting neurons; and (3) ecdysone, a steroid hormone produced in ovarian follicular cells. These humoral factors are secreted from each organ and are received by ovarian somatic cells and regulate the strength of niche signaling in female GSCs. This review provides an overview of the latest findings on the inter-organ relationship to regulate mating-induced female GSC increase in D. melanogaster as a model. We also discuss the remaining issues that should be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Hoshino
- Degree Programs in Life and Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Niwa
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
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11
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Gong S, Zhang Y, Tian A, Deng W. Tumor models in various Drosophila tissues. WIREs Mech Dis 2021; 13:e1525. [PMID: 34730289 PMCID: PMC8566734 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The development of cancer is a complex multistage process. Over the past few decades, the model organism Drosophila melanogaster has been crucial in identifying cancer-related genes and pathways and elucidating mechanisms underlying growth regulation in development. Investigations using Drosophila has yielded new insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in tumor initiation and progression. In this review, we describe various tumor models that have been developed in recent years using different Drosophila tissues, such as the imaginal tissue, the neural tissue, the gut, the ovary, and hematopoietic cells. We discuss underlying genetic alterations, cancer-like characteristics, as well as similarities and key differences among these models. We also discuss how disruptions in stem cell division and differentiation result in tumor formation in diverse tissues, and highlight new concepts developed using the fly model to understand context-dependent tumorigenesis. We further discuss the progress made in Drosophila to explore tumor-host interactions that involve the innate immune response to tumor growth and the cachexia wasting phenotype. This article is categorized under: Cancer > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Cancer > Stem Cells and Development Cancer > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangyu Gong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTulane University School of MedicineNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
| | - Yichi Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTulane University School of MedicineNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
| | - Aiguo Tian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTulane University School of MedicineNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
| | - Wu‐Min Deng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTulane University School of MedicineNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
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12
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Yang Y, Kong R, Goh FG, Somers WG, Hime GR, Li Z, Cai Y. dRTEL1 is essential for the maintenance of Drosophila male germline stem cells. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009834. [PMID: 34644293 PMCID: PMC8513875 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells have the potential to maintain undifferentiated state and differentiate into specialized cell types. Despite numerous progress has been achieved in understanding stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, many fundamental questions remain unanswered. In this study, we identify dRTEL1, the Drosophila homolog of Regulator of Telomere Elongation Helicase 1, as a novel regulator of male germline stem cells (GSCs). Our genome-wide transcriptome analysis and ChIP-Seq results suggest that dRTEL1 affects a set of candidate genes required for GSC maintenance, likely independent of its role in DNA repair. Furthermore, dRTEL1 prevents DNA damage-induced checkpoint activation in GSCs. Finally, dRTEL1 functions to sustain Stat92E protein levels, the key player in GSC maintenance. Together, our findings reveal an intrinsic role of the DNA helicase dRTEL1 in maintaining male GSC and provide insight into the function of dRTEL1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yang
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ruiyan Kong
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Guang Goh
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - W. Gregory Somers
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gary R. Hime
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Zhouhua Li
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Cai
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Yoshinari Y, Ameku T, Kondo S, Tanimoto H, Kuraishi T, Shimada-Niwa Y, Niwa R. Neuronal octopamine signaling regulates mating-induced germline stem cell increase in female Drosophila melanogaster. eLife 2020; 9:57101. [PMID: 33077027 PMCID: PMC7591258 DOI: 10.7554/elife.57101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells fuel the development and maintenance of tissues. Many studies have addressed how local signals from neighboring niche cells regulate stem cell identity and their proliferative potential. However, the regulation of stem cells by tissue-extrinsic signals in response to environmental cues remains poorly understood. Here we report that efferent octopaminergic neurons projecting to the ovary are essential for germline stem cell (GSC) increase in response to mating in female Drosophila. The neuronal activity of the octopaminergic neurons is required for mating-induced GSC increase as they relay the mating signal from sex peptide receptor-positive cholinergic neurons. Octopamine and its receptor Oamb are also required for mating-induced GSC increase via intracellular Ca2+ signaling. Moreover, we identified Matrix metalloproteinase-2 as a downstream component of the octopamine-Ca2+ signaling to induce GSC increase. Our study provides a mechanism describing how neuronal system couples stem cell behavior to environmental cues through stem cell niche signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuto Yoshinari
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Tomotsune Ameku
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Shu Kondo
- Invertebrate Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Hiromu Tanimoto
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kuraishi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.,AMED-PRIME, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Shimada-Niwa
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Niwa
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.,AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo, Japan
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