Spargel/dPGC-1 is essential for oogenesis and nutrient-mediated ovarian growth in Drosophila

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Mohammed Abul,Williamson,Kishana,Roy,Swagota D.,Danielle S. Basar (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: Dietary proteins are crucial for oogenesis. The Target of Rapamycin (TOR) is a major nutrient sensor controlling organismal growth and fertility, but the downstream effectors of TOR signaling remain largely uncharacterized. We previously identified Drosophila Spargel/dPGC-1 as a terminal effector of the TOR-TSC pathway, and now report that Spargel connects nutrition to oogenesis. We found that Spargel is expressed predominantly in the ovaries of adult flies, and germline spargel knockdown inhibits cyst growth, ultimately leading to egg chamber degeneration and female sterility. In situ staining demonstrated nuclear localization of Spargel in the nurse cells and follicle cells of the ovariole. Furthermore, Spargel/dPGC-1 expression is influenced by dietary yeast concentration and TOR signaling, suggesting Spargel/dPGC-1 might transmit nutrient-mediated signals into ovarian growth. We propose that potentiating Spargel/dPGC-1 expression in the ovary is instrumental in nutrient-mediated regulation of oogenesis.

Additional Information

Publication

Other

Language: English

Date: 2019

Keywords

Spargel; PGC-1; Drosophila; Nutrition; Insulin; TOR

Email this document to