Open Accessspict, a cyst cell-specific gene, regulates starvation-induced spermatogonial cell death in the Drosophila testis
Author(s) -
Ason C.-Y. Chiang,
Heiko Yang,
Yukiko Yamashita
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
scientific reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.24
H-Index - 213
ISSN - 2045-2322
DOI - 10.1038/srep40245
Subject(s) - drosophila (subgenus) , starvation , gene , biology , cell , microbiology and biotechnology , programmed cell death , drosophila melanogaster , genetics , apoptosis , endocrinology
Tissues are maintained in a homeostatic state by balancing the constant loss of old cells with the continued production of new cells. Tissue homeostasis can shift between high and low turnover states to cope with environmental changes such as nutrient availability. Recently, we discovered that the elimination of transit-amplifying cells plays a critical role in maintaining the stem cell population during protein starvation in the Drosophila testis. Here, we identify spict , a gene expressed specifically in differentiating cyst cells, as a regulator of spermatogonial death. Spict is upregulated in cyst cells that phagocytose dying spermatogonia. We propose that phagocytosis and subsequent clearance of dead spermatogonia, which is partly promoted by Spict, contribute to stem cell maintenance during prolonged protein starvation.