Santa-maria is a glial phagocytic receptor that acts with SIMU to recognize and engulf apoptotic neurons

• DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.115201
• Publication Date: 2025-01-10T19:43:11Z
• Authors: Reut Hilu-Dadia; Aseel Ghanem; Shelly Vogelesang; Malak Ayoub; Ketty Hakim-Mishn...; Estee Kurant
• Keywords: Schneider 2 cells

Highlights•Santa-maria is a Drosophila glial phagocytic receptor for apoptotic neurons•Santa-maria acts upstream to SIMU and Draper in the phagocytosis of binds cells vivo vitroSummaryThe elimination superfluous neurons via apoptosis subsequent crucial development central nervous system (CNS). In Drosophila, two receptors, six-microns-under (SIMU) Draper, mediate during embryogenesis. However, simu;draper double-mutant embryos, some are still engulfed by glia, suggesting involvement additional receptors. Here, we discover CD36 homolog Santa-maria, transmembrane receptor, which specifically expressed embryonic glia plays major role recognition engulfment steps phagocytosis. Our data demonstrate that santa-maria genetically interacts with simu draper, while protein product physically protein. Moreover, reveal triple knockout genes all three receptors (i.e., simu, santa-maria) causes partial lethality, thus illuminating their development, particularly developing system.Graphical abstract