Genes required for the engulfment of cell corpses during programmed cell death in Caenorhabditis elegans.

摘要: After programmed cell death, a corpse is engulfed and quickly degraded by neighboring cell. For degradation to occur, engulfing cells must recognize, phagocytose digest the corpses of dying cells. Previously, three genes were known be involved in eliminating nematode Caenorhabditis elegans: ced-1, ced-2 nuc-1. We have identified five new that play role this process: ced-5, ced-6, ced-7, ced-8 ced-10. Electron microscopic studies reveal mutations each these prevent engulfment, indicating are needed either for recognition other or initiation phagocytosis. Based upon our study double mutants, can divided into two sets. Animals with only one sets relatively few unengulfed corpses. By contrast, animals both many These observations suggest distinct partially redundant processes act engulfment