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Super-Competitors Game the Fitness Sensing System
Salvador C Herrera1, Erika A Bach2
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
Developmental Cell
|September 26, 2018
Summary
Fitter cells use serine proteases to activate Spätzle, initiating Toll signaling and apoptosis in neighboring cells. This mechanism regulates competitive cell interactions and local cell death.
Area of Science:
- Cellular biology
- Developmental biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Cellular competition is crucial for tissue homeostasis and development.
- Mechanisms for comparing cell fitness and inducing apoptosis in neighbors remain largely unknown.
- Local signaling pathways are implicated in regulating these competitive interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the signaling molecules and pathways involved in cell fitness comparison and local cell killing.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which fitter cells eliminate less fit neighbors.
Main Methods:
- Investigated cell-cell interactions in a competitive context.
- Utilized genetic and biochemical approaches to identify secreted factors and signaling pathways.
- Examined the role of serine proteases and Toll signaling in mediating apoptosis.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that fitter cells secrete serine proteases.
- Showed that these proteases generate a local burst of active Spätzle.
- Confirmed that active Spätzle triggers Toll signaling, leading to apoptosis in neighboring cells.
Conclusions:
- Serine proteases and Toll signaling mediate competitive cell interactions.
- This pathway allows fitter cells to eliminate less fit neighbors, ensuring tissue health.
- Provides a novel mechanism for regulating local cell death based on fitness differences.
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