PVF2, a PDGF/VEGF-like growth factor, induces hemocyte proliferation in Drosophila larvae.
Blood cells play a crucial role in both morphogenetic and immunological processes in Drosophila, yet the factors regulating their proliferation remain largely unknown. In order to address this question, we raised antibodies against a tumorous blood cell line and identified an antigenic determinant that marks the surface of prohemocytes and also circulating plasmatocytes in larvae. This antigen was identified as a Drosophila homolog of the mammalian receptor for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The Drosophila receptor controls cell proliferation in vitro. By overexpressing in vivo one of its putative ligands, PVF2, we induced a dramatic increase in circulating hemocytes. These results identify the PDGF/VEGF receptor homolog and one of its ligands as important players in Drosophila hematopoiesis.
Munier
Anne-Isabelle
AI
Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS UPR 9022, 15 rue Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg, France.
Doucet
Daniel
D
Perrodou
Emmanuel
E
Zachary
Daniel
D
Meister
Marie
M
Hoffmann
Jules A
JA
Janeway
Charles A
CA
Lagueux
Marie
M
D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000276:immunology; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D004330:Drosophila / Q000254:growth & development / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006434:Hemocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007814:Larva / Q000254:growth & development / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D008024:Ligands; D017479:Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000502:physiology*; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / Q000502:physiology*
D000906:Antibodies; D008024:Ligands; D017479:Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor