A conserved role for SNX9-family members in the regulation of phagosome maturation during engulfment of apoptotic cells.

ABSTRACT: Clearance of apoptotic cells is of key importance during development, tissue homeostasis and wound healing in multi-cellular animals. Genetic studies in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans have identified a set of genes involved in the early steps of cell clearance, in particular the recognition and internalization of apoptotic cells. A pathway that orchestrates the maturation of phagosomes containing ingested apoptotic cells in the worm has recently been described. However, many steps in this pathway remain elusive. Here we show that the C. elegans SNX9-family member LST-4 (lateral signaling target) and its closest mammalian orthologue SNX33 play an evolutionary conserved role during apoptotic cell corpse clearance. In lst-4 deficient worms, internalized apoptotic cells accumulated within

SUBMITTER: Almendinger J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3072968 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature