Dynamic adult tracheal plasticity drives stem cell adaptation to changes in intestinal homeostasis in Drosophila

Nat Cell Biol. 2021 May;23(5):485-496. doi: 10.1038/s41556-021-00676-z. Epub 2021 May 10.

Abstract

Coordination of stem cell function by local and niche-derived signals is essential to preserve adult tissue homeostasis and organismal health. The vasculature is a prominent component of multiple stem cell niches. However, its role in adult intestinal homeostasis remains largely understudied. Here we uncover a previously unrecognised crosstalk between adult intestinal stem cells in Drosophila and the vasculature-like tracheal system, which is essential for intestinal regeneration. Following damage to the intestinal epithelium, gut-derived reactive oxygen species activate tracheal HIF-1α and bidirectional FGF/FGFR signalling, leading to reversible remodelling of gut-associated terminal tracheal cells and intestinal stem cell proliferation following damage. Unexpectedly, reactive oxygen species-induced adult tracheal plasticity involves downregulation of the tracheal specification factor trachealess (trh) and upregulation of IGF2 messenger RNA-binding protein (IGF2BP2/Imp). Our results reveal an intestine-vasculature inter-organ communication programme that is essential to adapt the stem cell response to the proliferative demands of the intestinal epithelium.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological / physiology*
  • Adult Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Drosophila / metabolism
  • Homeostasis / physiology*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Regeneration / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Stem Cell Niche / physiology
  • Stem Cells / metabolism*

Substances

  • RNA-Binding Proteins