Ectopic Dpp signaling promotes stem cell competition through EGFR signaling in the Drosophila testis

Sci Rep. 2019 Apr 16;9(1):6118. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-42630-y.

Abstract

Stem cell competition could select the fittest stem cells and potentially control tumorigenesis. However, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms. Here, we find that ectopic Decapentaplegic (Dpp) signal activation by expressing a constitutively active form of Thickveins (TkvCA) in cyst stem cells (CySCs) leads to competition between CySCs and germline stem cells (GSCs) for niche occupancy and GSC loss. GSCs are displaced from the niche and undergo differentiation. Interestingly, we find that induction of TkvCA results in elevated expression of vein, which further activates Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) signaling in CySCs to promote their proliferation and compete GSCs out of the niche. Our findings elucidate the important role of Dpp signaling in regulating stem cell competition and tumorigenesis, which could be shed light on tumorigenesis and cancer treatment in mammals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Drosophila / physiology*
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism*
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism*
  • Germ Cells / physiology
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System / physiology
  • Male
  • Neuregulins / metabolism
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism
  • Receptors, Invertebrate Peptide / metabolism*
  • Stem Cell Niche
  • Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Testis / cytology*
  • Testis / metabolism

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Neuregulins
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, Invertebrate Peptide
  • dpp protein, Drosophila
  • vn protein, Drosophila
  • tkv protein, Drosophila
  • Egfr protein, Drosophila
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases