Transcript analysis reveals the involvement of NF- κB transcription factors for the activation of TGF-β signaling in nematode-infected Drosophila

This study explores the cross-talk between the well-characterized nuclear factor kappa B (NF- κB) innate immune signaling pathways and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway in response to parasitic nematode infection inDrosophila. To understand the link between signaling pathways, we followed on our previous studies by performing a transcript-level analysis of different TGF- β signaling components following infection of immune-compromisedDrosophila adult flies with the nematode parasitesHeterorhabditis gerrardi andH. bacteriophora. Our findings demonstrate the requirement of NF- κB transcription factors for activation of TGF-β signaling pathway inDrosophila in the context of parasitic nematode infection. We observe significant decrease in transcript level of glass bottom boat (gbb) and screw (scw), components of the bone morphogenic protein (BMP) branch, as well as Activin β (actβ) which is a component of the Activin branch of the TGF-β signaling pathway. These results are observed only inH. gerrardi nematode-infected flies compared to uninfected control. Also, this significant decrease in transcript level is found only for extracellular ligands. Future research examining the mechanisms regulating the interaction of these signaling pathways could provide further insight intoDrosophila anti-nematode immune function against infection with potent parasitic nematodes.
Source: Immunogenetics - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research