Coordination of tissue homeostasis and growth by the Scribble-α-Catenin-Septate junction complex

• Published in: iScience 2023-04, Vol.26 (4), p.106490-106490, Article 106490
• Main Authors: Huang, Yunxian, Gui, Jinghua, Myllymäki, Satu-Marja, Mikkola, Marja L., Shimmi, Osamu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological sciences; Cell biology; Developmental biology
• ISSN: 2589-0042; 2589-0042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106490

Maintaining apicobasal polarity (ABP) is crucial for epithelial integrity and homeostasis during tissue development. Although intracellular mechanisms underlying ABP establishment have been well studied, it remains to be addressed how the ABP coordinates tissue growth and homeostasis. By studying Scribble, a key ABP determinant, we address molecular mechanisms underlying ABP-mediated growth control in the Drosophila wing imaginal disc. Our data reveal that genetic and physical interactions between Scribble, Septate junction complex and α-Catenin appear to be key for sustaining ABP-mediated growth control. Cells with conditional scribble knockdown instigate the loss of α-Catenin, ultimately leading to the formation of neoplasia accompanying with activation of Yorkie. In contrast, cells expressing wild type scribble progressively restore ABP in scribble hypomorphic mutant cells in a non-autonomous manner. Our findings provide unique insights into cellular communication among optimal and sub-optimal cells to regulate epithelial homeostasis and growth. [Display omitted] •Scribble interacts with α-Catenin for epithelial growth•α-Catenin-Scribble-Septate junction complex regulates Yki activity•Wildtype cells restore apicobasal polarity in scribble hypomorphic cells•Cellular communication contributes the robustness of polarity across the tissue Biological sciences; Cell biology; Developmental biology