Summary of the science
Stem cells can differentiate into many different cell types with specialised functions. They are critical for tissue turnover and help ensure sure that tissues are replenished. Interestingly, stem cells are shown to interact with neighbouring cells – their so-called social life. To maintain their status as stem cells, they rely on support cells within their environment, also known as a niche, to provide them with necessary signals. Recent findings suggest that every stem cell is engaged in an ongoing battle with its neighbouring stem cells for access to these signals. A successful stem cell secures its position within the niche, while the unsuccessful cell is excluded and unable to generate any more stem cells. So, for stem cells to be effective in contributing to the development of tissues over a prolonged period, they must possess strong competitive abilities in occupying space within the niche.
About the research
In order to preserve a space in their niche, stem cells depend on the assistance of neighbouring support cells (which constitute their niche) to receive essential signals. Emerging evidence indicates that each stem cell engages in continuous competition with neighbouring stem cells to obtain access to these signals. The Amoyel Lab hopes to answer some of these fundamental questions of stem cell fate using genetics, live imaging and mathematical models. They use the fruit fly testis as their chosen model system, as they can easily identify the cells and their corresponding niche by looking at their location. By observing how the stem cells (specifically the somatic cyst stem cells that later become support cells for reproductive cells) behave over time, they hope to further their understanding of how stem cells compete for space in their niche.
About the illustration
The title 'Being a good neighbour' inspired us to create an illustration of a group of cells that were shown to communicate with each other through various signals. To emphasise the idea that these signals lead to changes in cell cycle, metabolism and cell fate, we show that the purple cell, receiving signals from the green cell, has started to bud, divide and change shape.