# Wengen’s hidden powers: ROS triggers a TNFR-dependent tissue regenerative pathway in Drosophila

## TL;DR

A study finds that a protein in fruit flies, Wengen, helps regenerate tissue after damage without relying on typical inflammation pathways.

## Contribution

The study reveals a new, TNF-independent role for Wengen in promoting tissue regeneration in Drosophila.

## Key findings

- Wengen, a Drosophila TNFR, mediates tissue regeneration independently of TNF.
- The pathway is activated in response to apoptosis and supports survival during regeneration.

## Abstract

While the role of the Tumor necrosis factor-α (referred to as TNF here) as a key mediator of pro-inflammatory and immune responses is well-established, non-pathological functions of the TNF-TNF receptor (TNFR) signaling are less explored. In this issue of The EMBO Journal, Esteban-Collado et al, (2024) describe a TNF independent, pro-survival role of the Drosophila TNFR Wengen during damage-induced tissue regeneration.

Recent study identifies the Drosophila TNF receptor Wengen as a TNF-independent mediator of tissue regeneration in response to apoptosis.