Adult stem cells support tissue homeostasis and repair throughout the life of an individual. During ageing, numerous intrinsic and extrinsic changes occur that result in altered stem-cell behaviour and reduced tissue maintenance and regeneration. In the Drosophila testis, ageing results in a marked decrease in the self-renewal factor Unpaired (Upd), leading to a concomitant loss of germline stem cells. Here we demonstrate that IGF-II messenger RNA binding protein (Imp) counteracts endogenous small interfering RNAs to stabilize upd (also known as os) RNA. However, similar to upd, Imp expression decreases in the hub cells of older males, which is due to the targeting of Imp by the heterochronic microRNA let-7. In the absence of Imp, upd mRNA therefore becomes unprotected and susceptible to degradation. Understanding the mechanistic basis for ageing-related changes in stem-cell behaviour will lead to the development of strategies to treat age-onset diseases and facilitate stem-cell-based therapies in older individuals.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4829122 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature11061 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Transcriptional regulation of the piRNA pathway by Ovo in animal ovarian germ cells.
Genes Dev
December 2024
Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
The gene-regulatory mechanisms controlling the expression of the germline PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway components within the gonads of metazoan species remain largely unexplored. In contrast to the male germline piRNA pathway, which in mice is known to be activated by the testis-specific transcription factor A-MYB, the nature of the ovary-specific gene-regulatory network driving the female germline piRNA pathway remains a mystery. Here, using as a model, we combined multiple genomics approaches to reveal the transcription factor Ovo as regulator of the germline piRNA pathway in ovarian germ cells.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFStem cells exist within a niche, a microenvironment that regulates their activity, but the mechanisms by which niche cells influence stem cell behaviour are poorly understood. In this issue, Stephen DiNardo and colleagues reveal that the shape of the adult Drosophila testes niche, which is dependent on the cytoskeleton of the niche cells, is crucial to maintaining germinal stem cell function. To learn more about this work, we spoke to first author Gabriela Vida and corresponding author Stephen DiNardo, Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Pennsylvania, USA.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGlucose-6-Phosphatase (G6Pase), a key enzyme in gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis in the mammalian liver and kidney, converts glucose-6-phosphate to glucose for maintaining systemic blood glucose homeostasis during nutrient deprivation. However, its function has remained elusive in insects, which have no need for G6Pase in sugar homeostasis since they convert glucose-6-phosphate to trehalose, their main circulating sugar, via trehalose phosphate synthase (TPS1). In this study we identify an unexpected and essential requirement for G6Pase in male fertility, specifically to produce motile sperm.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAstral Microtubules Are Dispensable for Pavarotti Localization During Drosophila Spermatogonial Mitoses.
Cytoskeleton (Hoboken)
January 2025
Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
We analysed here the dynamic of the kinesin-like Pavarotti (Pav) during male gametogenesis of wild-type and Sas4 mutant flies. Pav localizes to the equatorial region and the inner central spindle of late anaphase wild-type spermatogonia and displays a strong concentration at the midbody during late telophase. At metaphase of the first meiotic division, Pav shows widespread localization on the equatorial region of the spermatocytes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA large reverse-genetic screen identifies numerous regulators of testis nascent myotube collective cell migration and collective organ sculpting.
Mol Biol Cell
January 2025
Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#3280, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3280, USA.
Collective cell migration is critical for morphogenesis, homeostasis, and wound healing. Migrating mesenchymal cells form tissues that shape the body's organs. We developed a powerful model, exploring how nascent myotubes migrate onto the testis during pupal development, forming the muscles ensheathing it and creating its characteristic spiral shape.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!