Apoptosis restores cellular density by eliminating a physiologically or genetically induced excess of enterocytes in the Drosophila midgut

• DOI: 10.1242/dev.142539
• Publication Date: 2017-02-28T12:30:59Z
• Authors: Rihab Loudhaief; Alexandra Brun-Ba...; Olivia Benguettat; Marie-Paule Nawro...; David Pauron; Marcel Amichot; Armel Gallet
• Keywords: Enterocyte; Intestinal epithelium

Using pathogens or high levels of opportunistic bacteria to damage the gut, studies in Drosophila have identified many signaling pathways involved gut regeneration. Dying cells emit molecules that accelerate intestinal stem cell proliferation and progenitor differentiation replace dying quickly. This process has been named ‘regenerative death’. Here, mimicking environmental conditions, we show ingestion low was sufficient launch an accelerated cellular renewal program despite brief passage absence death this is due moderate induction JNK pathway stimulates proliferation. Consequently, addition new differentiated epithelium, without preceding loss, leads enterocyte overcrowding. Finally, a couple days later, correct density enterocytes promptly restored by means wave apoptosis involving Hippo preferential removal old enterocytes.