AstA Signaling Functions as an Evolutionary Conserved Mechanism Timing Juvenile to Adult Transition

Current Biology : CB
Derya DeveciNuria M Romero

Abstract

The onset of sexual maturation is the result of a hormonal cascade peaking with the production of steroid hormones. In animals undergoing a program of determinate growth, sexual maturation also coincides with the attainment of adult size. The exact signals that time the onset of maturation and the mechanisms coupling growth and maturation remain elusive. Here, we show that the Drosophila neuropeptide AstA and its receptor AstAR1 act as a brain trigger for maturation and juvenile growth. We first identified AstAR1 in an RNAi-based genetic screen as a key regulator of sexual maturation. Its specific knockdown in prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH)-producing neurons delays the onset of maturation by impairing PTTH secretion. In addition to its role in PTTH neurons, AstAR1 is required in the brain insulin-producing cells (IPCs) to promote insulin secretion and systemic growth. AstAR1 function is mediated by the AstA neuropeptide that is expressed in two bilateral neurons contacting the PTTH neurons and the IPCs. Silencing brain AstA expression delays the onset of maturation, therefore extending the growth period. However, no pupal overgrowth is observed, indicating that, in these conditions, the growth-promoting function of AstAR1 is...Continue Reading

Citations

Feb 20, 2020·International Journal of Molecular Sciences·Renald Delanoue, Nuria M Romero
Aug 23, 2020·Cell and Tissue Research·Dick R Nässel, Meet Zandawala
May 26, 2020·Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS·Takashi KoyamaKim Rewitz
Oct 8, 2020·Genetics·Michael J TexadaKim Rewitz
Mar 2, 2021·Frontiers in Endocrinology·Celia G BarredoFrancisco A Martin
Sep 21, 2020·Current Opinion in Insect Science·Xueyang PanMichael B O'Connor
Nov 1, 2020·Current Opinion in Insect Science·Chhavi SoodSarah E Siegrist
Nov 21, 2020·Current Opinion in Insect Science·Alina Malita, Kim Rewitz
May 7, 2021·Genetics·Michael J TexadaKim Rewitz
Jun 3, 2021·Molecules : a Journal of Synthetic Chemistry and Natural Product Chemistry·Nannan LiuShikai Liu

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