Interaction of light-dark and dietary cues prime Drosophila ovarian stem cell properties by precisely tuning Drp1 recruitment and organization on mitochondria

Adult stem cells in adult organisms are maintained by activation to ensure tissue integrity. Mitochondria play a crucial role in regulating stem and progenitor cells. Some research indicates that a high-potency stemness state, with specific mitochondrial structure-function properties, can prime stem cell activation. However, the in vivo significance and regulation of this primed stemness state are not well understood.

A study using quantitative genetic and cell biological methods demonstrates that light-dark cycling influences the precise tuning of Drp1, a mitochondrial fission protein, which in turn primes the Drosophila ovarian germline stem cell (GSC) response to protein-rich diets for enhanced egg production. This priming effect can be reversed by repressing the mitochondrial fusion protein Opa1 and is dependent on the presence of functional Cry, a protein that maintains light-dark rhythm.

The study reveals that light or dark conditions cause distinct recruitment and organization of Drp1 on mitochondria in different GSC subpopulations, leading to egg production stimulation. The research also highlights the importance of interactions between threonine supplementation, Cry, Drp1, and Opa1 in priming GSCs for egg production.

The priming of ovarian follicle stem cells occurs at different levels of Drp1 tuning. The study's findings on the regulation of adult stem cells through the integration of light-dark and dietary cues via precise mitochondrial modulation have significant implications for regenerative health and degenerative diseases.