Involvement of Beclin 1 in Engulfment of Apoptotic Cells

Abstract

Background: Engulfment of apoptotic cell is facilitated by Rac1-GTPase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Beclin 1 is known to form PI3K complex. Results: Beclin 1 was bound to Rac1, recruited to early phagocytotic cups, and required for apoptotic cell internalization. Conclusion: Beclin 1 regulates apoptotic cell engulfment in cooperation with Rac1. Significance: This report reveals a novel function of Beclin 1 in apoptotic cell clearance.

C. elegans midbodies are released, phagocytosed and undergo LC3-dependent degradation independent of macroautophagy

“…Cultured mammalian cells are known to internalize midbodies through an actin-dependent mechanism (Crowell et al, 2014). In addition, Beclin 1 acts upstream of RAC1 activation to promote actin rearrangements during apoptotic cell engulfment (Konishi et al, 2012). In control embryos, actin was enriched on the midbody shortly before internalization (Fig.…”

The Evolving Biology of Microglia in Alzheimer's Disease

“…It is of particular interest that microglial phagocytosis is reliant upon beclin 1, a protein whose actions were thought to be restricted to autophagy. The beclin 1/ Vsp34 complex has been shown to be required for the clearance of apoptotic bodies by macrophages and fibroblasts, and beclin 1-deficient cells are unable to do so [68]. Beclin 1 might promote phagocytic clearance by regulating CD36 and Trem2 expression, as beclin 1 deficiency impairs recycling of these receptors [69].…”

Engulfing Losers by Winners in Cancer: Do Cancer Stem Cells Catch Eat-me Signals from Noncancer Stem Cells?

“…One difference in this study is that the data suggest active engulfment of apoptotic cells by ES cells, but it is not clear if they also engulf live cells [15]. Regarding the mechanism of action, the molecular and cellular process of ES cell engulfment seems to recapitulate the immune cell phagocytosis.…”