Biology subjects

Coelho, D. S.

Publications and source records attributed to Coelho, D. S..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

A whole-genome screen identifies a bilateral Flower-Grindelwald/TNFR-Veli/LIN-7 communication module in cell competition

Viable yet suboptimal ("loser") cells can be recognized and selectively eliminated when in the presence of neighboring fitter ("winner") cells through cell competition, thereby promoting optimal tissue fitness and homeostasis. One mechanism through which cells compare their relative fitness levels relies on isoforms of the conserved transmembrane protein Flower (Fwe). Despite the role of Fwe-dependent cell selection in several pathophysiological processes, little is known about downstream components of this pathway. In this study, we develop a versatile clonal interaction assay in Drosophila, the Easy Win Assay. By overexpressing human FWE1 Lose isoform to trigger cell competition, we perform an unbiased whole-genome RNAi screen and identify new pathway modulators. We show that the receptor Grindelwald/TNFR is necessary in either winner or loser cells to drive Eiger/TNF--independent elimination of losers, whereas the scaffolding protein Veli/LIN-7 is simultaneously required in both cell populations. We further demonstrate that Fwe, Grindelwald and Veli redistribute to establish a previously undescribed bilateral communication module at winner-loser interfaces, promoting intercellular communication and elimination of loser cells. These findings show that distinct cell elimination pathways converge on a common execution module while remaining independently regulated upstream, enabling flexible recognition and elimination of diverse damaged or dangerous cells.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Neuroimmune-glial cells interactions elevate the kynurenine metabolic pathway to sustain neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain is triggered by injury to the somatosensory system, and is one of the most important types of chronic pain. Nevertheless, critical pathophysiological mechanisms that maintain neuropathic pain are poorly understood. Here, we show that neuropathic pain is abrogated when the kynurenine metabolic pathway (KYNPATH) initiated by the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is ablated pharmacologically or genetically. Mechanistically, it was found that IDO upregulation in dendritic cells that accumulate in the dorsal root leptomeninges led to increased levels of kynurenine (Kyn) in the spinal cord, where Kyn is metabolized by astrocytes-expressed kynurenine-3-monooxygenase into a pro-nociceptive metabolite 3-hydroxykynurenine. In conclusion, these data reveal a novel role for KYNPATH as an important factor maintaining neuropathic pain during neuroimmune-glia cells interactions. This novel paradigm offers potential new targets for drug development against this type of chronic pain.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2018

Culling less fit neurons protects against amyloid-β induced brain damage and cognitive and motor decline

Alzheimers disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, impairing cognitive and motor functions. One of the pathological hallmarks of AD is neuronal loss, which is not reflected in mouse models of AD. Therefore, the role of neuronal death is still uncertain. Here, we used a Drosophila AD model expressing a secreted form of human amyloid-{beta}42 peptide and show that it recapitulates key aspects of AD pathology, including neuronal death and impaired long-term memory. We found that neuronal apoptosis is mediated by cell fitness-driven neuronal culling, which selectively eliminates impaired neurons from brain circuits. We show that removal of less fit neurons delays amyloid-{beta}42-induced brain damage and protects against cognitive and motor decline, suggesting that - contrary to common knowledge - neuronal death may have a beneficial effect in AD.

developmental biology↗