Quantitative microscopy of the Drosophila ovary shows multiple niche signals specify progenitor cell fate.

TitleQuantitative microscopy of the Drosophila ovary shows multiple niche signals specify progenitor cell fate.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsDai W, Peterson A, Kenney T, Burrous H, Montell DJ
JournalNat Commun
Volume8
Issue1
Pagination1244
Date Published2017 Nov 01
ISSN2041-1723
Abstract

Adult stem cells commonly give rise to transit-amplifying progenitors, whose progeny differentiate into distinct cell types. It is unclear if stem cell niche signals coordinate fate decisions within the progenitor pool. Here we use quantitative analysis of Wnt, Hh, and Notch signalling reporters and the cell fate markers Eyes Absent (Eya) and Castor (Cas) to study the effects of hyper-activation and loss of niche signals on progenitor development in the Drosophila ovary. Follicle stem cell (FSC) progeny adopt distinct polar, stalk, and main body cell fates. We show that Wnt signalling transiently inhibits expression of the main body cell fate determinant Eya, and Wnt hyperactivity strongly biases cells towards polar and stalk fates. Hh signalling independently controls the proliferation to differentiation transition. Notch is permissive but not instructive for differentiation of multiple cell types. These findings reveal that multiple niche signals coordinate cell fates and differentiation of progenitor cells.

DOI10.1038/s41467-017-01322-9
Alternate JournalNat Commun
PubMed ID29093440
PubMed Central IDPMC5665863
Grant ListR01 GM046425 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States
S10 OD010610 / OD / NIH HHS / United States