Nanotubes mediate niche–stem-cell signalling in the Drosophila testis

摘要: Stem cell niches provide resident stem cells with signals that specify their identity. Niche act over a short range such only but not differentiating progeny receive the self-renewing signals. However, cellular mechanisms limit niche signalling to remain poorly understood. Here we show Drosophila male germline form previously unrecognized structures, microtubule-based nanotubes, which extend into hub, major component. Microtubule-based nanotubes are observed specifically within populations, and require intraflagellar transport proteins for formation. The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor Tkv localizes nanotubes. Perturbation of compromises activation Dpp cells, leading loss. Moreover, ligand interaction is necessary sufficient nanotube We propose novel mechanism selective receptor-ligand interaction, contributing short-range nature niche-stem-cell signalling.