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Stem Cells

Tracheal remodelling supports stem cells

Nature Cell Biology volume 23, pages 580–582 (2021)Cite this article

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The vascular system, plastic and positioned in the vicinity of tissues, is an undervalued regulator of adult stem cells. Two studies now show that the vascular-like Drosophila trachea is reshaped after intestinal damage or tumour formation and that this remodelling is required for compensatory intestinal stem cell proliferation and tumour growth.

The adult intestinal epithelium of Drosophila is pseudostratified and comprised of differentiated cells, namely enterocytes (EC) and enteroendocrine cells, which are renewed by intestinal stem cells (ISCs)7. Damage, infection or oxidative stress induces ISC proliferation to compensate for cell death and return to tissue homeostasis. ISC regulation relies on the concerted action of many signals from dying cells of the tissue, visceral muscles surrounding the epithelium, neurons innervating the tissue and systemic factors7. Little is known about the role of the intestinal trachea in the regulation of ISC behaviour, though a possible function in ISC maintenance has been proposed previously8. Earlier work also demonstrated that terminal tracheal cells (TTCs) associated with the gut change their organisation under neuronal control in response to nutritional cues9. TTCs equivalent to mammalian leading vascular cells called tip cells, found at the periphery of the general tracheal system in target tissues10. TTCs have a branched morphology, projecting several cytoplasmic extensions to deliver oxygen. Their branched morphology is known to be plastic during development, allowing adaptation to tissue needs10. This tracheal branching phenomenon is reminiscent of angiogenic sprouting in vertebrates. Little is known about TTC plasticity in the adult fly and how it participates in tissue homeostasis and regeneration.

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Fig. 1: Schematic of the dialogue between the intestinal epithelium and the tracheal system in homeostasis, infection, cancer and hypoxia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, Stem Cells and Tissue Homeostasis Group, Paris, France

    Louis Gervais & Allison J. Bardin

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  1. Louis Gervais
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  2. Allison J. Bardin
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Correspondence to Louis Gervais or Allison J. Bardin.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Gervais, L., Bardin, A.J. Tracheal remodelling supports stem cells. Nat Cell Biol 23, 580–582 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41556-021-00695-w

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