bfc, a novel serpent co-factor for the expression of croquemort, regulates efferocytosis in Drosophila melanogaster
Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: Efferocytosis is the process by which phagocytes recognize, engulf, and digest (or clear) apoptotic cells during development. Impaired efferocytosis is associated with developmental defects and autoimmune diseases. In Drosophila melanogaster, recognition of apoptotic cells requires phagocyte surface receptors, including the scavenger receptor CD36-related protein, Croquemort (Crq, encoded by crq). In fact, Crq expression is upregulated in the presence of apoptotic cells, as well as in response to excessive apoptosis. Here, we identified a novel gene bfc (booster for croquemort), which plays a role in efferocytosis, specifically the regulation of the crq expression. We found that Bfc protein interacts with the zinc finger domain of the GATA transcription factor Serpent (Srp), to enhance its direct binding to the crq promoter; thus, they function together in regulating crq expression and efferocytosis. Overall, we show that Bfc serves as a Srp co-factor to upregulate the transcription of the crq encoded receptor, and consequently boosts macrophage efferocytosis in response to excessive apoptosis. Therefore, this study clarifies how phagocytes integrate apoptotic cell signals to mediate efferocytosis.
Source: PLoS Genetics
Authors: Qian Zheng, Ning Gao, Qiling Sun, Xiaowen Li, Yanzhe Wang, Hui Xiao
Institution: Shaanxi Normal University
Language: English
Subfield: Immunology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,575
OpenAlex ID: W3216813228