Scientists reveal how tissues stay intact despite constant cell turnover

Scientists from Institut Pasteur and CNRS have uncovered a new mechanism that helps maintain tissue integrity. Their study used vinegar flies, known as Drosophila, to explore how epithelial tissues stay intact despite constant cell turnover. These flies share a similar tissue structure with humans, making them ideal for the research. Human epithelia, like the skin and internal linings, constantly renew themselves by removing dead cells and forming new ones. Millions of cells are eliminated daily without harming the tissue’s structure. Researchers found that when a cell dies, the EGFR-ERK pathway briefly activates in neighbouring cells, shielding them from death for about an hour.

This protective process prevents widespread tissue damage. If the pathway is blocked, cells die randomly, leading to repeated breaks in tissue connectivity. Tests showed that removing just three neighbouring cells at once can already disrupt epithelial integrity. The team also noted that chronic inflammation may result when this mechanism fails. The discovery explains how tissues remain stable even with high cell turnover. It highlights the importance of the EGFR-ERK pathway in protecting cells during renewal. Understanding this process could help address issues linked to tissue damage and inflammation.