SCAR/WAVE-mediated processing of engulfed apoptotic corpses is essential for effective macrophage migration in Drosophila

I. R. Evans, P. A. Ghai, V. Urbancic, K-L Tan, W. Wood*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In vitro studies have shown that SCAR/WAVE activates the Arp2/3 complex to generate actin filaments, which in many cell types are organised into lamellipodia that are thought to have an important role in cell migration. Here we demonstrate that SCAR is utilised by Drosophila macrophages to drive their developmental and inflammatory migrations and that it is regulated via the Hem/Kette/Nap1-containing SCAR/WAVE complex. SCAR is also important in protecting against bacterial pathogens and in wound repair as SCAR mutant embryos succumb more readily to both sterile and infected wounds. However, in addition to driving the formation of lamellipodia in macrophages, SCAR is required cell autonomously for the correct processing of phagocytosed apoptotic corpses by these professional phagocytes. Removal of this phagocytic burden by preventing apoptosis rescues macrophage lamellipodia formation and partially restores motility. Our results show that efficient processing of phagosomes is critical for effective macrophage migration in vivo. These findings have important implications for the resolution of macrophages from chronic wounds and the behaviour of those associated with tumours, because phagocytosis of debris may serve to prolong the presence of these cells at these sites of pathology. Cell Death and Differentiation ( 2013) 20, 709-720; doi:10.1038/cdd.2012.166; published online 18 January 2013

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)709-720
Number of pages12
JournalCell Death & Differentiation (CDD)
Volume20
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2013

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • apoptosis
  • macrophage
  • Drosophila
  • SCAR/WAVE
  • migration
  • hemocyte
  • PROGRAMMED CELL-DEATH
  • IN-VIVO
  • BALANCER CHROMOSOMES
  • ACTIN POLYMERIZATION
  • PHAGOSOME MATURATION
  • BLOOD
  • SCAR
  • MELANOGASTER
  • MECHANISMS
  • PHAGOCYTOSIS

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'SCAR/WAVE-mediated processing of engulfed apoptotic corpses is essential for effective macrophage migration in Drosophila'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this