Piwi expressed in Drosophila adipose tissues regulates systemic IGF signaling and growth via IGF-binding protein

Abstract

Piwi and its partner, Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA), are pivotal in suppressing the harmful effects of transposable elements (TEs) linked to genomic insertional mutagenesis. While primarily active in Drosophila's adult gonadal tissues, causing sterility in its absence, Piwi's role in post-embryonic development remains unclear. Our study reveals Piwi's functional presence in the larval fat body, where it governs developmental growth through systemic insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling (IIS). Piwi knockdown in the fat body resulted in dysregulated TE expression, reduced developmental rate and body growth, and diminished systemic IIS activity. Notably, Piwi knockdown increased Imaginal Morphogenic Protein Late 2 (Imp-L2) expression, akin to insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7), reducing systemic IIS and inhibiting body growth. This unveils a novel role for Piwi in larval adipose tissues, emphasizing its importance in regulating systemic IIS and overall organismal growth.