Caspase-independent cell engulfment mirrors cell death pattern in Drosophila embryos

Development. 2003 Dec;130(23):5779-89. doi: 10.1242/dev.00824. Epub 2003 Oct 8.

Abstract

Programmed cell death plays an essential role during Drosophila embryonic development. A stereotypic series of cellular changes occur during apoptosis, most of which are initiated by a caspase cascade that is triggered by a trio of proteins, RPR, HID and GRIM. The final step in apoptosis is engulfment of the cell corpse. To monitor cell engulfment in vivo, we developed a fluorogenic beta-galactosidase substrate that is cleaved by an endogenous, lysosomal beta-galactosidase activity. The pattern of cell engulfment in wild-type embryos correlated well with the known pattern of apoptosis. Surprisingly, the pattern of cell engulfment persisted in apoptosis-deficient embryos. We provide evidence for a caspase-independent engulfment process that affects the majority of cells expected to die in developing Drosophila embryos.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acridine Orange / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Biomarkers
  • Caspase Inhibitors
  • Caspases / metabolism*
  • Cell Death / physiology*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / anatomy & histology
  • Drosophila melanogaster / embryology*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics
  • Drosophila melanogaster / physiology
  • Endocytosis / physiology*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Transgenes
  • beta-Galactosidase / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Caspase Inhibitors
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • beta-Galactosidase
  • Caspases
  • Acridine Orange