Windpipe controls Drosophila intestinal homeostasis by regulating JAK/STAT pathway via promoting receptor endocytosis and lysosomal degradation

PLoS Genet. 2015 Apr 29;11(4):e1005180. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005180. eCollection 2015 Apr.

Abstract

The adult intestinal homeostasis is tightly controlled by proper proliferation and differentiation of intestinal stem cells. The JAK/STAT (Janus Kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription) signaling pathway is essential for the regulation of adult stem cell activities and maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. Currently, it remains largely unknown how JAK/STAT signaling activities are regulated in these processes. Here we have identified windpipe (wdp) as a novel component of the JAK/STAT pathway. We demonstrate that Wdp is positively regulated by JAK/STAT signaling in Drosophila adult intestines. Loss of wdp activity results in the disruption of midgut homeostasis under normal and regenerative conditions. Conversely, ectopic expression of Wdp inhibits JAK/STAT signaling activity. Importantly, we show that Wdp interacts with the receptor Domeless (Dome), and promotes its internalization for subsequent lysosomal degradation. Together, these data led us to propose that Wdp acts as a novel negative feedback regulator of the JAK/STAT pathway in regulating intestinal homeostasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics*
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism
  • Drosophila melanogaster
  • Endocytosis / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Homeostasis / genetics
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism*
  • Intestines / growth & development
  • Janus Kinases / genetics*
  • Janus Kinases / metabolism
  • Lysosomes / genetics
  • Lysosomes / metabolism
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Receptors, Interleukin / genetics*
  • Receptors, Interleukin / metabolism
  • STAT Transcription Factors / genetics
  • STAT Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Stem Cells

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Receptors, Interleukin
  • STAT Transcription Factors
  • dome protein, Drosophila
  • wdp protein, Drosophila
  • Janus Kinases