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Santa-maria is a glial phagocytic receptor that acts with SIMU to recognize and engulf apoptotic neurons
Reut Hilu-Dadia1, Aseel Ghanem1, Shelly Vogelesang1
1Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 34988, Israel.
Abstract:
The elimination of superfluous neurons via apoptosis and subsequent glial phagocytosis is crucial for the development of the central nervous system (CNS). In Drosophila, two glial phagocytic receptors, six-microns-under (SIMU) and Draper, mediate the phagocytosis of apoptotic neurons during embryogenesis. However, in simu;draper double-mutant embryos, some apoptotic neurons are still engulfed by the glia, suggesting the involvement of additional receptors. Here, we discover the Drosophila CD36 homolog Santa-maria, a transmembrane receptor, which is specifically expressed in embryonic phagocytic glia and plays a major role in the recognition and engulfment steps of phagocytosis. Our data demonstrate that santa-maria genetically interacts with simu and draper, while the protein product binds apoptotic cells and physically interacts with the SIMU protein. Moreover, we reveal that triple knockout of genes for all three glial phagocytic receptors (i.e., simu, draper, and santa-maria) causes partial lethality, thus illuminating their role in development, particularly in the developing nervous system.
Insights
Glial cells engulf dying neurons using receptors like SIMU and Draper. A new receptor, Santa-maria, also aids this crucial process in the developing nervous system.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Apoptosis and glial phagocytosis are vital for central nervous system (CNS) development.
- In Drosophila, SIMU and Draper receptors mediate engulfment of apoptotic neurons by glia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify additional glial receptors involved in apoptotic neuron engulfment in Drosophila.
- To elucidate the role of Santa-maria in glial phagocytosis during embryonic development.
Main Methods:
- Genetic analysis of Drosophila mutants.
- Identification and characterization of the Santa-maria receptor.
- Analysis of genetic interactions and protein-protein interactions.
Main Results:
- Discovered Santa-maria, a Drosophila CD36 homolog, expressed in embryonic phagocytic glia.
- Santa-maria plays a significant role in the recognition and engulfment phases of phagocytosis.
- Genetic interactions observed between santa-maria, simu, and draper.
- Santa-maria protein binds apoptotic cells and interacts with SIMU.
Conclusions:
- Santa-maria is a key glial phagocytic receptor in Drosophila development.
- The combined action of SIMU, Draper, and Santa-maria is essential for complete apoptotic neuron clearance.
- Loss of all three receptors leads to partial embryonic lethality, highlighting their critical developmental roles.
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