Loss offlflTriggers JNK-Dependent Cell Death inDrosophila
falafel(flfl) encodes aDrosophilahomolog of human SMEK whosein vivofunctions remain elusive. In this study, we performed gain-of-function and loss-of-function analysis inDrosophilaand identified flfl as a negative regulator of JNK pathway-mediated cell death. While ectopic expression offlflsuppresses TNF-triggered JNK-dependent cell death, loss offlflpromotes JNK activation and cell death in the developing eye and wing. These data report for the first time an essential physiological function offlflin maintaining tissue homeostasis and organ development. As the JNK signaling pathway has been evolutionary conserved from fly to human, a similar role of PP4R3 in JNK-mediated physiological process is speculated.