ELife Assessment: The Drosophila Hematopoietic Niche Assembles Through Collective Cell Migration Controlled by Neighbor Tissues and Slit-Robo Signaling

This study explores the formation of the Drosophila Posterior Signaling Center (PSC), a niche controlling hematopoietic progenitors, through collective cell migration. Using live-imaging, researchers found that PSC cells migrate from a lateral to a dorsal position in the lymph gland, guided by Slit-Robo signaling from the visceral mesoderm and cardioblasts. Disruption of this signaling leads to improper niche formation. The study highlights the role of neighboring tissues and extrinsic signaling in PSC positioning, with Slit-Robo signaling being crucial for maintaining cell collectivity and proper positioning. The research provides insights into niche formation dynamics and the importance of inter-tissue signaling.