RTK signaling and epidermis remodeling instruct dendrite regrowth after pruning in the Drosophila PNS
Morphology and function of many neuron types must be adapted to the current developmental stage through neurite pruning and regrowth. Pruning and regrowth occur during defined temporal windows, but how these are defined is often unclear. Drosophila peripheral c4da neurons prune their larval sensory dendrites in an ecdysone-induced manner during metamorphosis. They subsequently regrow…
The formation and regeneration of neuronal structures must adapt to a neuron's current developmental stage, as pruning and regrowth of nerve cells occur during specific time periods. However, the mechanisms behind these processes often remain unclear. In the case of Drosophila peripheral neurons, they undergo pruning of larval sensory dendrites during metamorphosis, triggered by ecdysone.
Following pruning, these neurons regenerate adult-specific dendrites, but the connection between dendrite regeneration and pruning has not been fully understood.
This study highlights the involvement of two receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), Insulin receptor (InR) and Ret, in dendrite regrowth. The research suggests that RTK ligands are sourced from the nearby epidermis. During metamorphosis, the Drosophila epidermis undergoes extensive remodeling, characterized by the apoptosis of larval epidermal cells and the expansion of adult histoblasts.
Remarkably, this remodeling occurs during the time window between dendrite pruning and regrowth, and its inhibition hinders dendrite regeneration. The researchers also propose a potential evolutionary link between these processes, suggesting that dendrite pruning and regrowth may be part of a biphasic response to ecdysone. The delayed regrowth signal is thought to be delivered via the epidermis, ensuring coordination of tissue developmental processes.
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