Complement component C1q regulates macrophage expression of Mer tyrosine kinase to promote clearance of apoptotic cells.

ABSTRACT: Failure to efficiently clear apoptotic cells is linked to defects in development and the onset of autoimmunity. Complement component C1q is required for efficient engulfment of apoptotic cells in mice and humans; however, the molecular mechanisms leading to C1q-dependent engulfment are not fully understood. In this study, we used primary mouse macrophages to identify and characterize a novel molecular mechanism for macrophage-mediated C1q-dependent engulfment of apoptotic cells. We found that macrophage activation with C1q resulted in cycloheximide-sensitive enhanced engulfment, indicating a requirement for de novo protein synthesis. To investigate the cycloheximide-sensitive pathway, C1q-elicited macrophage transcripts were identified by microarray. C1q triggered the expression of Mer tyr

SUBMITTER: Galvan MD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3324645 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature