Drosophila model systems reveal intestinal stem cells as key players in aging

Abstract

The intestines play important roles in responding immediately and dynamically to food intake, environmental stress, and metabolic dysfunction, and they are involved in various human diseases and aging. A key part of their function is governed by intestinal stem cells (ISCs); therefore, understanding ISCs is vital. Dysregulation of ISC activity, which is influenced by various cell signaling pathways and environmental signals, can lead to inflammatory responses, tissue damage, and increased cancer susceptibility. Aging exacerbates these dynamics and affects ISC function and tissue elasticity. Additionally, proliferation and differentiation profoundly affect ISC behavior and gut health, highlighting the complex interplay between environmental factors and gut homeostasis. Drosophila models help us understand the complex regulatory networks in the gut, providing valuable insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies targeting human intestinal diseases.