A Search for Genes Mediating the Growth-Promoting Function of TGF? in the Drosophila melanogaster Wing Disc.

ABSTRACT: Transforming Growth Factor ? (TGF?) signaling has a complex influence on cell proliferation, acting to stop cell division in differentiating cells, but also promoting cell division in immature cells. The activity of the pathway in Drosophila is mostly required to stimulate the proliferation of neural and epithelial tissues. Most interestingly, this function is not absolutely required for cell division, but it is needed for these tissues to reach their correct size. It is not known how TGF? signaling promotes cell division in imaginal discs, or what the interactions between TGF? activity and other signaling pathways regulating cell proliferation are. In this work, we have explored the disc autonomous function of TGF? that promotes wing imaginal disc growth. We have studied the genetic interactions between TGF? signaling and other pathways regulating wing disc growth, such as the Insulin and Hippo/Salvador/Warts pathways, as well as cell cycle regulators. We have also identified a collection of TGF? candidate target genes affecting imaginal growth using expression profiles. These candidates correspond to genes participating in the regulation of a variety of biochemical processes, including different aspects of cell metabolism, suggesting that TGF? could affect cell proliferation by regulating the metabolic fitness of imaginal cells.

SUBMITTER: Hevia CF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5419472 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature