Loss of Zdhhc8 induced apoptosis in Drosophila

The zinc-finger DHHC-containing 8 (Zdhhc8) gene, encoding a putative palmitoyltransferase, plays a critical role in protein palmitoylation, a post-translational modification essential for regulating protein stability, localization, and function. In this study, we investigated the effects of Zdhhc8 downregulation on Drosophila development using RNA interference (RNAi). By driving Zdhhc8-RNAi expression in specific tissues, we observed significant developmental defects in both wing and eye discs. Downregulation of Zdhhc8 led to the loss of apical constriction and vesicle formation in wing discs, accompanied by increased apoptosis. Similarly, Zdhhc8 RNAi resulted in smaller eyes and elevated apoptosis in eye discs. These findings demonstrate that Zdhhc8 is crucial for maintaining cell survival and proper tissue development in Drosophila. Our results highlight the importance of Zdhhc8 in regulating cellular processes and suggest its potential role in developmental disorders and diseases.