The epigenetic factor Zrf1 regulates intestinal stem cell proliferation during midgut regeneration

Abstract

Stem cells are essential for tissue maintenance and regeneration, balancing self-renewal and differentiation to support homeostasis and repair. Through an RNAi screen in the Drosophila midgut, we identified the epigenetic factor Zrf1 as a critical regulator of intestinal stem cell (ISC) proliferation. Functional analyses reveal that Zrf1 integrates inputs from multiple signaling pathways and interacts with components of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). Our findings suggest that Zrf1 is potentially a key chromatin regulator necessary for maintaining stem cell proliferation, enhancing our understanding of the molecular controls underlying stem cell function and chromatin-associated defects.