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Updated: Jul 6, 2025
In vitro Quantitative Imaging Assay for Phagocytosis of Dead Neuroblastoma Cells by iPSC-Macrophages
Published on: February 14, 2021
Intercellular contact and cargo transfer between Müller glia and to microglia precede apoptotic cell clearance in the
Michael Morales1, Anna P Findley1, Diana M Mitchell1
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA.
Abstract:
To clarify our understanding of glial phagocytosis in retinal development, we used real-time imaging of larval zebrafish to provide cell-type specific resolution of this process. We show that radial Müller glia frequently participate in microglial phagocytosis while also completing a subset of phagocytic events. Müller glia actively engage with dying cells through initial target cell contact and phagocytic cup formation, after which an exchange of the dying cell from Müller glia to microglia often takes place. In addition, we find evidence that Müller glia cellular material, possibly from the initial Müller cell phagocytic cup, is internalized into microglial compartments. Previously undescribed Müller cell behaviors were seen, including cargo splitting, wrestling for targets and lateral passing of cargo to neighbors. Collectively, our work provides new insight into glial functions and intercellular interactions, which will allow future work to understand these behaviors on a molecular level.
Insights
Radial Müller glia actively participate in microglial phagocytosis during retinal development, engaging in novel behaviors like cargo splitting and target wrestling. This interaction offers new insights into glial cell functions and intercellular communication.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Glial cells, including microglia and Müller glia, play crucial roles in retinal development and homeostasis.
- Phagocytosis, the process of cellular debris clearance, is essential for proper tissue development and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the specific roles and interactions of Müller glia and microglia in phagocytosis during zebrafish retinal development.
- To characterize novel behaviors of Müller glia during the phagocytic process.
Main Methods:
- Utilized real-time imaging in larval zebrafish to observe glial phagocytosis at a cell-type specific resolution.
- Detailed observation and documentation of Müller glia and microglial interactions with dying cells.
Main Results:
- Radial Müller glia frequently participate in microglial phagocytosis, often initiating the process before transferring the target cell to microglia.
- Müller glia exhibit previously undescribed behaviors, including cargo splitting, wrestling for targets, and lateral cargo passing.
- Evidence suggests Müller glia cellular material is internalized by microglia.
Conclusions:
- Müller glia are active participants in retinal phagocytosis, collaborating with microglia in a dynamic manner.
- The identified Müller glia behaviors provide new insights into glial cell functions and intercellular interactions.
- This study lays the groundwork for future molecular investigations into these glial behaviors.
