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Croquemort, a novel Drosophila hemocyte/macrophage receptor that recognizes apoptotic cells
N C Franc1, J L Dimarcq, M Lagueux
1Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Abstract:
Programmed cell death is first observed at stage 11 of embryogenesis in Drosophila. The systematic removal of apoptotic cells is mediated by cells that are derived from the procephalic mesoderm and differentiate into macrophages. We describe a macrophage receptor for apoptotic cells. This receptor, croquemort (catcher of death), is a member of the CD36 superfamily. Croquemort-mediated phagocytosis represents the concept that phagocytosis evolved primarily as a cellular process for the removal of effete cells. Our findings support the idea that the primordial function of macrophages may have been in tissue modeling and that their adapted role is in host defense.
Insights
Researchers identified the croquemort receptor, a CD36 superfamily member, crucial for clearing apoptotic cells in Drosophila embryogenesis. This highlights phagocytosis
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Programmed cell death occurs during Drosophila embryogenesis.
- Macrophages derived from the procephalic mesoderm clear apoptotic cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize the macrophage receptor responsible for apoptotic cell engulfment in Drosophila.
Main Methods:
- Described a novel macrophage receptor for apoptotic cells.
- Identified the receptor as a member of the CD36 superfamily.
- Named the receptor croquemort (catcher of death).
Main Results:
- Croquemort mediates the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells.
- This process is essential for the systematic removal of dead cells during embryogenesis.
- Findings suggest phagocytosis' primary role in effete cell removal.
Conclusions:
- The croquemort receptor plays a vital role in apoptotic cell clearance.
- Phagocytosis may have evolved primarily for tissue modeling.
- Macrophages' ancestral function could be tissue modeling, with host defense as an adapted role.