Journal
CELL
Volume 160, Issue 3, Pages 461-476Publisher
CELL PRESS
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2014.12.017
Keywords
-
Categories
Funding
- European Research Council
- Swiss National Science Foundation
- Josef Steiner Cancer Research Foundation
- bilateral Japanese-Swiss ST
- Swiss Cancer League
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Viable yet damaged cells can accumulate during development and aging. Although eliminating those cells may benefit organ function, identification of this less fit cell population remains challenging. Previously, we identified a molecular mechanism, based on fitness fingerprints'' displayed on cell membranes, which allows direct fitness comparison among cells in Drosophila. Here, we study the physiological consequences of efficient cell selection for the whole organism. We find that fitness-based cell culling is naturally used to maintain tissue health, delay aging, and extend lifespan in Drosophila. We identify a gene, azot, which ensures the elimination of less fit cells. Lack of azot increases morphological malformations and susceptibility to random mutations and accelerates tissue degeneration. On the contrary, improving the efficiency of cell selection is beneficial for tissue health and extends lifespan.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available