A Non-stop identity complex (NIC) supervises enterocyte identity and protects from premature aging.

Erez, Neta; Israitel, Lena; Bitman-Lotan, Eliya; Wong, Wing H; Raz, Gal; Cornelio-Parra, Dayanne V; Danial, Salwa; Flint Brodsly, Na'ama et al. · Elife · 2021

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

A hallmark of aging is loss of differentiated cell identity. Aged <i>Drosophila</i> midgut differentiated enterocytes (ECs) lose their identity, impairing tissue homeostasis. To discover identity regulators, we performed an RNAi screen targeting ubiquitin-related genes in ECs. Seventeen genes were identified, including the deubiquitinase Non-stop (CG4166). Lineage tracing established that acute loss of Non-stop in young ECs phenocopies aged ECs at cellular and tissue levels. Proteomic analysis unveiled that Non-stop maintains identity as part of a Non-stop identity complex (NIC) containing E(y)2, Sgf11, Cp190, (Mod) mdg4, and Nup98. Non-stop ensured chromatin accessibility, maintaining the EC-gene signature, and protected NIC subunit stability. Upon aging, the levels of Non-stop and NIC subunits declined, distorting the unique organization of the EC nucleus. Maintaining youthful levels of Non-stop in wildtype aged ECs safeguards NIC subunits, nuclear organization, and suppressed aging phenotypes. Thus, Non-stop and NIC, supervise EC identity and protects from premature aging.

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