Adipocyte heterogeneity regulated by the Bithorax Complex-Wnt signaling crosstalk in Drosophila.

ABSTRACT: Adipocytes play essential roles in lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis, with regional differences affecting their functions and disease susceptibility. However, the mechanisms underlying this regional heterogeneity remain unclear. Here we demonstrate that the Bithorax Complex (BX-C) genes, specifically abdominal A (abd-A) and Abdominal B (Abd-B), define regional differences in Drosophila larval adipocytes. Abdominal adipocytes, expressing abd-A and Abd-B exhibit unique characteristics compared to thoracic adipocytes, with active Wnt/Wingless signaling further amplifying these regional differences. Depleting abd-A and Abd-B in adipocytes delays larval-pupal transition, causes pupal lethality, and attenuates the expression of Wnt/Wg target genes, thereby dampening Wnt signaling-induced l

SUBMITTER: Hemba-Waduge RU 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12852179 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature