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The termination of the proliferation of Drosophila neural stem cells, also known as neuroblasts (NBs), requires a 'decommissioning' phase that is controlled in a lineage-specific manner. Most NBs, with the exception of those of the mushroom body (MB), are decommissioned by the ecdysone receptor and mediator complex, causing them to shrink during metamorphosis, followed by nuclear accumulation of Prospero and cell cycle exit. Here, we demonstrate that the levels of Imp and Syp RNA-binding proteins regulate NB decommissioning. Descending Imp and ascending Syp expression have been shown to regulate neuronal temporal fate. We show that Imp levels decline slower in the MB than in other central brain NBs. MB NBs continue to express Imp into pupation, and the presence of Imp prevents decommissioning partly by inhibiting the mediator complex. Late-larval induction of transgenic Imp prevents many non-MB NBs from decommissioning in early pupae. Moreover, the presence of abundant Syp in aged NBs permits Prospero accumulation that, in turn, promotes cell cycle exit. Together, our results reveal that progeny temporal fate and progenitor decommissioning are co-regulated in protracted neuronal lineages.

Original publication

DOI

10.1242/dev.149500

Type

Journal article

Journal

Development

Publication Date

01/10/2017

Volume

144

Pages

3454 - 3464

Keywords

Cell cycle exit, Mediator complex, Mushroom body, Neuroblast, RNA-binding protein, Animals, Animals, Genetically Modified, Cell Nucleus, Drosophila Proteins, Drosophila melanogaster, Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental, Larva, Mediator Complex, Models, Biological, Mushroom Bodies, Neural Stem Cells, Protein Binding, Pupa, RNA-Binding Proteins