Characterising the Modulatory Role of Ikebana in Flower-Dependent Cell Competition

Abstract

Tissues encompass a quality control mechanism that promotes their optimal state. This mechanism, designated cell competition, is characterised by the elimination of suboptimal yet viable cells when they are near healthier cells within the same tissue compartment. This study explores Flower-dependent cell competition and introduces Ikebana as a novel player. The differential expression of the flower isoforms labels cells as winners or losers, influencing their fate in diverse contexts, including eye development, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimers disease. Ikebana, ubiquitously produced in wing imaginal discs and adult brains, modulates loser cell elimination. Reduction of ikebana expression correlates with an increased number of loser cells, while its overexpression in the Alzheimers disease model reduces the number of Flower LoseB-positive cells. We suggest that Ikebana protects loser cell elimination, particularly when excessive elimination of loser cells can compromise tissue function. Thus, Ikebana might be a potential therapeutic target for modulating Flower LoseB expression.