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Published on: June 14, 2018
A dual role for the βPS integrin myospheroid in mediating Drosophila embryonic macrophage migration
Kate Comber1, Sven Huelsmann, Iwan Evans
1Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
Abstract:
Throughout embryonic development, macrophages not only act as the first line of defence against infection but also help to sculpt organs and tissues of the embryo by removing dead cells and secreting extracellular matrix components. Key to their function is the ability of embryonic macrophages to migrate and disperse throughout the embryo. Despite these important developmental functions, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying embryonic macrophage migration in vivo. Integrins are key regulators of many of the adult macrophage responses, but their role in embryonic macrophages remains poorly characterized. Here, we have used Drosophila macrophages (haemocytes) as a model system to address the role of integrins during embryonic macrophage dispersal in vivo. We show that the main βPS integrin, myospheroid, affects haemocyte migration in two ways; by shaping the three-dimensional environment in which haemocytes migrate and by regulating the migration of haemocytes themselves. Live imaging revealed a requirement for myospheroid within haemocytes to coordinate the microtubule and actin dynamics, and to enable haemocyte developmental dispersal, contact repulsion and inflammatory migration towards wounds.
Insights
Integrins, specifically myospheroid, are crucial for embryonic macrophage migration. This study reveals how myospheroid influences both the cellular environment and macrophage movement during development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Embryonic macrophages are vital for development, tissue sculpting, and immune defense.
- Macrophage migration is essential for embryonic development, but underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood.
- Integrins regulate adult macrophage functions, yet their role in embryonic macrophages is largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of integrins in embryonic macrophage migration in vivo.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing embryonic macrophage dispersal using Drosophila as a model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) haemocytes as a model for embryonic macrophages.
- Employed live imaging techniques to observe haemocyte migration dynamics.
- Analyzed the function of the βPS integrin, myospheroid, in haemocyte behavior.
Main Results:
- The βPS integrin myospheroid plays a dual role in embryonic haemocyte migration.
- Myospheroid influences the three-dimensional migratory environment and directly regulates haemocyte movement.
- Live imaging demonstrated myospheroid's requirement for coordinating microtubule and actin dynamics, essential for dispersal, repulsion, and wound response.
Conclusions:
- Myospheroid is a key regulator of embryonic macrophage migration in vivo.
- Integrin-mediated regulation is critical for coordinating cytoskeletal dynamics during developmental cell movement.
- Findings provide novel insights into the molecular basis of embryonic macrophage dispersal and inflammatory responses.
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