Hedgehog signalling is required for cell survival in Drosophila wing pouch cells

An appropriate balance between cell survival and cell death is essential for correct pattern formation in the animal tissues and organs. Previous studies have shown that the short-range signalling molecule Hedgehog (Hh) is required for cell proliferation and pattern formation in the Drosophila central wing discs. Signal transduction by one of the Hh targets, the morphogen Decapentaplegic (Dpp), is required for not only cell proliferation, but also cell survival in the pouch cells. However, Hh function in cell survival and cell death has not been revealed. Here, we found that loss of Hh signal activity induces considerable Caspase-dependent cell death in the wing pouch cells, and this process was independent of both Dpp signalling and Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) signalling. Loss of Hh induced activation of the pro-apoptotic gene hid and inhibition of diap1. Therefore, we identified an important role of Hh signalling in cell survival during Drosophila wing development.