The Hox gene Abd-B controls stem cell niche function in the Drosophila testis

Dev Cell. 2014 Jan 27;28(2):189-202. doi: 10.1016/j.devcel.2013.12.016.

Abstract

Proper niche architecture is critical for stem cell function, yet only few upstream regulators are known. Here, we report that the Hox transcription factor Abdominal-B (Abd-B), active in premeiotic spermatocytes of Drosophila testes, is essential for positioning the niche to the testis anterior by regulating integrin in neighboring somatic cyst cells. Abd-B also non-cell-autonomously controls critical features within the niche, including centrosome orientation and division rates of germline stem cells. By using genome-wide binding studies, we find that Abd-B mediates its effects on integrin localization by directly controlling at multiple levels the signaling activity of the Sev ligand Boss via its direct targets src42A and sec63, two genes involved in protein trafficking and recycling. Our data show that Abd-B, through local signaling between adjucent cell types, provides positional cues for integrin localization, which is critical for placement of the distant stem cell niche and stem cell activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult Stem Cells / cytology
  • Adult Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Adult Stem Cells / physiology
  • Animals
  • Cell Division
  • Centrosome / metabolism
  • Drosophila / cytology
  • Drosophila / genetics
  • Drosophila / growth & development
  • Drosophila / metabolism*
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism*
  • Eye Proteins / genetics
  • Eye Proteins / metabolism
  • Genome, Insect
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism*
  • Integrins / genetics
  • Integrins / metabolism
  • Male
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins pp60(c-src) / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins pp60(c-src) / metabolism
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / genetics
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / metabolism
  • Receptors, Peptide / genetics
  • Receptors, Peptide / metabolism
  • Spermatocytes / cytology
  • Spermatocytes / metabolism
  • Spermatocytes / physiology
  • Stem Cell Niche*
  • Testis / cytology*
  • Testis / growth & development
  • Testis / metabolism

Substances

  • Abd-B proteins, Drosophila
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Eye Proteins
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Integrins
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Receptors, Peptide
  • boss protein, Drosophila
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • sev protein, Drosophila
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins pp60(c-src)
  • Src42A protein, Drosophila

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE53709