Apoptosis is a noninflammatory form of cell death that occurs throughout the life of an organism. Apoptotic cells are rapidly recognized and removed by phagocytic cells. Inhibition of apoptotic cell engulfment has been implicated in autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus. Many genes involved in apoptotic cell phagocytosis remain to be identified. Drosophila is a good genetic model organism to study the genes regulating the engulfment of dead cells. In this organism hemocytes are known to be responsible for apoptotic cell clearance. A genetic screen has been conducted using a panel of Drosophila deletion mutants, and several candidates were identified with a potential defect in apoptotic cell engulfment. This proposal focuses on identifying candidate genes within the deleted regions that are responsible for this defect. In addition, an in vitro phagocytosis model will be developed to aid in the characterization of the role that the identified genes have on the process of phagocytosis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32GM068256-02
Application #
6742454
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F05 (20))
Program Officer
Tompkins, Laurie
Project Start
2003-05-01
Project End
2005-04-30
Budget Start
2004-05-01
Budget End
2005-04-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$52,492
Indirect Cost
Name
Massachusetts General Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
073130411
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02199
Krieser, Ronald J; Moore, Finola E; Dresnek, Douglas et al. (2007) The Drosophila homolog of the putative phosphatidylserine receptor functions to inhibit apoptosis. Development 134:2407-14