Defining cell types and lineage in the Drosophila midgut using single cell transcriptomics

The Drosophila midgut has emerged in recent years as a model system to study stem cell renewal and differentiation and tissue homeostasis. Histological, genetic and gene expression studies have provided a wealth of information on gut cell types, regionalization, genes and pathways involved in cell proliferation and differentiation, stem cell renewal, and responses to changes in environmental factors such as the microbiota and nutrients. Here, we review the contribution of single cell transcriptomic methods to our understanding of gut cell type diversity, lineage and behavior.

Automated summary

The Drosophila midgut has become a model system for studying stem cell renewal, differentiation, and tissue homeostasis in recent years. Single cell transcriptomic methods have contributed significantly to our understanding of the diversity, lineage, and behavior of gut cell types.