Research using fruit flies has exposed activin signaling as a key system in gut plasticity, influencing its capability to shrink and expand in reaction to nutrient availability.” Taking benefit of the broad genetic toolbox readily available in the fruit fly, we have actually investigated the mechanisms underpinning nutrient-dependent gut resizing,” states Dr. Ditte S. Andersen.Mechanisms of Gut Resizing DiscoveredThe results program that nutrient deprivation results in a build-up of progenitor cells that stop working to distinguish into the mature cells causing the gut to shrink. Our study supplies a starting point for examining the link between aberrant activin signaling and the development of colorectal cancers and sets the phase for exploring the performance of anti-activin therapeutic methods in treating colorectal cancers.Reference: “Drosophila activins adapt gut size to food intake and promote regenerative growth” by Christian F. Christensen, Quentin Laurichesse, Rihab Loudhaief, Julien Colombani and Ditte S. Andersen, 4 January 2024, Nature Communications.DOI: 10.1038/ s41467-023-44553-9.
