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Published on: August 15, 2020
ccz-1 mediates the digestion of apoptotic corpses in C. elegans
Cristina Nieto1, Johann Almendinger, Stephan Gysi
1Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC/Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
Abstract:
During development, the processes of cell division, differentiation and apoptosis must be precisely coordinated in order to maintain tissue homeostasis. The nematode C. elegans is a powerful model system in which to study cell death and its control. C. elegans apoptotic cells condense and form refractile corpses under differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy. Activation of the GTPase CED-10 (Rac) in a neighbouring cell mediates the recognition and engulfment of the cell corpse. After inclusion of the engulfed corpse in a phagosome, different proteins are sequentially recruited onto this organelle to promote its acidification and fusion with lysosomes, leading to the enzymatic degradation of the cell corpse. We show that CCZ-1, a protein conserved from yeasts to humans, mediates the digestion of these apoptotic corpses. CCZ-1 seems to act in lysosome biogenesis and phagosome maturation by recruiting the GTPase RAB-7 over the phagosome.
Insights
The protein CCZ-1 is crucial for the digestion of apoptotic cell corpses in C. elegans. It aids in phagosome maturation and lysosome fusion, ensuring proper clearance of dead cells.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Tissue homeostasis relies on precise coordination of cell division, differentiation, and apoptosis.
- The nematode C. elegans is a model organism for studying cell death and its regulation.
- Apoptotic cells in C. elegans form visible corpses that are recognized and engulfed by neighboring cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the conserved protein CCZ-1 in the clearance of apoptotic cell corpses.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which CCZ-1 mediates the degradation of engulfed cell corpses.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the nematode C. elegans as a model system.
- Employing differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy to observe apoptotic cell corpses.
- Investigating protein recruitment and function during phagosome maturation and lysosome fusion.
Main Results:
- CCZ-1 mediates the digestion of apoptotic cell corpses in C. elegans.
- CCZ-1 appears to be involved in lysosome biogenesis and phagosome maturation.
- CCZ-1 facilitates the recruitment of the GTPase RAB-7 to the phagosome.
Conclusions:
- CCZ-1 plays a vital role in the efficient degradation of apoptotic corpses.
- CCZ-1's function in phagosome maturation is essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis.
- Understanding CCZ-1's mechanism provides insights into conserved pathways of cell corpse clearance.
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01:30Apoptosis