REGULATION OF DROSOPHILA INTESTINAL STEM CELL MAINTENANCE AND PROLIFERATION

To maintain gut homeostasis intestinal stem cells (ISCs) constantly replace damaged ones. This process is conservative from Drosophila to human. Proliferation and differentiation of ISCs in adult Drosophila midgut are regulated by growth factors which are secreted in the surrounding cells collectively forming ISCs niche. Here I discuss an interaction between ISCs with its niche through conservative signaling pathways. Several evidences on significance of cooperation between multiple signaling pathways including Notch, Wingless, JAK/STAT, EGFR, Hippo, and insulin signaling for regulation of stem cell maintenance and activity are provided. Further investigation in this area will allow us to understand how proper regulation of ISCs maintenance and differentiation can assist to ensure intestinal integrity.