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Updated: Feb 9, 2026

Extended Live Imaging of Female Drosophila melanogaster Germline Stem Cell Niches
Published on: December 20, 2024
Germline Stem Cell Heterogeneity Supports Homeostasis in Drosophila
Amanda Yunn Ee Ng1, Kimberly Rae Guzman Peralta2, Jun Wei Pek1
1Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, 1 Research Link, Singapore 117604, Singapore.
Abstract:
Adult and embryonic stem cells exhibit fluctuating gene expression; however, the biological significance of stem cell heterogeneity is not well understood. We show that, in Drosophila, female germline stem cells (GSCs) exhibit heterogeneous expression of a GSC differentiation-promoting factor Regena (Rga). The Drosophila homolog of human SON, dsn, is required to maintain GSC heterogeneity by suppressing sustained high levels of Rga. Reducing the expression of Rga in dsn mutants restores GSC heterogeneity and self-renewal. Thus, GSC heterogeneity is linked to GSC homeostasis.
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