Abstract
The stem cells' ability to divide asymmetrically to produce differentiating and self-renewing
daughter cells is crucial to maintain tissue homeostasis and development. Stem cell maintenance and differentiation
rely on their regulatory microenvironment termed ‘niches’. The mechanisms of the signal
transduction pathways initiated from the niche, regulation of stem cell maintenance and differentiation
were quite challenging to study. The knowledge gained from the study of Drosophila melanogaster testis
and ovary helped develop our understanding of stem cell/niche interactions and signal pathways related to
the regulatory mechanisms in maintaining homeostasis of adult tissue. In this review, we discuss the role
of signaling pathways in Drosophila gonadal stem cell regeneration, competition, differentiation, dedifferentiation,
proliferation, and fate determination. Furthermore, we present the current knowledge on how
these signaling pathways are implicated in cancer, and how they contribute as potential candidates for
effective cancer treatment.
Keywords:
Germline stem cells, somatic stem cells, drosophila testis, drosophila ovary, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), cancer.
Graphical Abstract
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