Novel roles for GATAe in growth, maintenance and proliferation of cell populations in the Drosophila renal tubule

The GATA family of transcription factors is implicated in numerous developmental and physiological processes in metazoans. In , five different GATA factor genes ( , , , and ) have been reported as essential in the development and identity of multiple tissues, including the midgut, heart and brain. Here, we present a novel role for in the function and homeostasis of the renal (Malpighian) tubule. We demonstrate that reduced levels of gene expression in tubule principal cells induce uncontrolled cell proliferation, resulting in tumorous growth with associated altered expression of apoptotic and carcinogenic key genes. Furthermore, we uncover the involvement of in the maintenance of stellate cells and migration of renal and nephritic stem cells into the tubule. Our findings of as a potential master regulator in the events of growth control and cell survival required for the maintenance of the renal tubule could provide new insights into the molecular pathways involved in the formation and maintenance of a functional tissue and kidney disease.