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AstA Signaling Functions as an Evolutionary Conserved Mechanism Timing Juvenile to Adult Transition
Derya Deveci1, Francisco A Martin2, Pierre Leopold3
1University Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Institute of Biology Valrose, Parc Valrose, 06108 Nice, France.
Current Biology : CB
|February 26, 2019
Summary
The Drosophila neuropeptide AstA and its receptor AstAR1 trigger sexual maturation and juvenile growth. This conserved signaling pathway coordinates growth with maturation onset, similar to human puberty mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Genetics
Background:
- Sexual maturation onset is hormonally regulated and linked to adult size attainment in determinate growers.
- The precise timing signals and growth-maturation coupling mechanisms remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the brain signals that time sexual maturation and coordinate it with juvenile growth.
- To elucidate the roles of the neuropeptide AstA and its receptor AstAR1 in Drosophila development.
Main Methods:
- RNA interference (RNAi)-based genetic screen to identify key regulators of sexual maturation.
- Knockdown experiments targeting specific neurons (PTTH-producing neurons, IPCs) and neuropeptide expression (AstA).
- Analysis of developmental timing, growth, and hormonal signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- AstA/AstAR1 signaling is crucial for triggering sexual maturation and promoting juvenile growth in Drosophila.
- Knockdown of AstAR1 in PTTH neurons delays maturation by impairing PTTH secretion.
- AstAR1 in insulin-producing cells (IPCs) regulates insulin secretion and systemic growth.
- Silencing AstA delays maturation and extends the growth period without pupal overgrowth, indicating impaired growth promotion.
Conclusions:
- The AstA/AstAR1 pathway acts as a brain-initiated signal coordinating juvenile growth with sexual maturation onset.
- This conserved signaling system highlights evolutionary parallels with human puberty regulation (KISS/GPR54).
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