Neuronal exosomes transport an miRISC cargo to protect the germline stem cells: a new era in inter-tissue communication

Date

Jun 5, 2025

Time

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Speaker

Richard Roy

Affiliation

Department of Biology, McGill University, Canada

Series

MPI-CBG Thursday Seminar

Language

en

Main Topic

Biologie

Host

Anthony Hyman

Description

Many stem cell populations defer to quiescent states rather than continuous division, presumably to preserve their genomic integrity over long durations. We use C. elegans as a model to better understand what gene activities are required to impose this quiescence, and how they function in response to both developmental, physiological, and environmental cues. One key regulatory factor is the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which phosphorylates key targets to ultimately readjust energy resources during periods of stress. Using this model we have uncovered a regulated mechanism of exosome secretion that specifically targets the germ cells, thereby providing a series of pro-quiescent signals that instruct the germline to enter a state of quiescence. These signals comprise, at least, a repertoire of miRNAs that are produced and packaged in the serotonergic neurons, and that leave the neurons and home to the germ cells, where they are internalized and subsequently affect their mRNA targets. I will discuss many of the details of this emerging form of neuroendocrinology that is likely to be active in other contexts in C. elegans, and most likely in other organisms.

Last modified: Jun 5, 2025, 7:38:44 AM