The effects of aging on stem cell behavior in Drosophila

► Drosophila melanogaster contains tissues that are maintained by adult stem cells. ► Aging leads to a decline in number and activity of Drosophila germ line stem cells. ► Aging results in compromised niche function in the Drosophila germ line. ► Aging leads to increased proliferation of Drosophila intestinal stem cells (ISCs), which is accompanied by mis-differentiation of progenitors. ► Pathways that regulating longevity, such as the Insulin/IGF pathway, regulate stem cell behavior in Drosophila.