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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
12:17
Detection and Isolation of Apoptotic Bodies to High Purity
Published on: August 12, 2018
Clearance of apoptotic corpses.
John F Fullard1, Abhijit Kale, Nicholas E Baker
1Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
Summary
Cellular debris clearance, or apoptotic corpse engulfment, involves non-professional phagocytes and key signaling pathways. This review highlights eat-me signals and Drosophila insights into corpse recognition and internalization.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Apoptotic cells are cleared by professional phagocytes like macrophages, but also by non-professional phagocytes.
- Understanding engulfment pathways is crucial for tissue homeostasis and immune function.
- Previous studies identified partially redundant pathways governing apoptotic cell clearance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in apoptotic corpse engulfment signaling pathways.
- To summarize insights from Drosophila regarding corpse recognition and internalization mechanisms.
- To discuss the broader implications of apoptotic phagosome maturation and its connections to other biological processes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on apoptotic corpse engulfment.
- Analysis of signaling pathways involved in eat-me signal exposure.
- Examination of Drosophila models to elucidate the Draper/Ced-1 pathway.
Main Results:
- Two partially redundant engulfment pathways operate in both professional and non-professional phagocytes.
- Key components like the Six Microns Under receptor and Shark kinase in Drosophila's Draper/Ced-1 pathway are highlighted.
- Store-operated calcium release plays a role in corpse recognition and internalization.
Conclusions:
- Apoptotic corpse engulfment is a complex process involving multiple signaling pathways and cellular players.
- Insights from model organisms like Drosophila significantly advance our understanding of this fundamental biological mechanism.
- Further research into corpse engulfment may reveal connections to proliferation, cell competition, and immunity.
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