Investigation of mechanisms regulating stem cell competition using the Drosophila follicle stem cell model

• Applicant: Dr. Katja Rust
• Subject Area: Cell Biology ; Developmental Biology
• Term: from 2019 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 419293565

Epithelial stem cells give rise to transit-amplifying cells, which produce differentiated cell types. Transit-amplifying cells have been suggested to compete with the stem cell for niche position, which ensures stem cell fitness. Mechanisms of stem cell competition and the underlying transcriptional changes that occur between stem cell and transit-amplifying cells are poorly understood. Using the Drosophila follicle stem cell lineage as a model, I will use single cell sequencing technology to analyze transcriptional changes that occur in transit-amplifying cells and to identify mechanisms regulating niche competition. Findings of this study can aid to understanding cancer origins in epithelial cell lineages, since little is known of the contribution of transit-amplifying cells in contrast to stem cells. Results may lay a basis for higher success of cell transplantation technology, since donor cells have to compete with resident host cells.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Todd Nystul, Ph.D.