Phagocytosis: coupling of mitochondrial uncoupling and engulfment.
Clearance of apoptotic cells by phagocytes avoids triggering an inflammatory response. A new study reveals that phagocytes dissipate their mitochondrial proton electrochemical gradient to allow for the ingestion of more apoptotic corpses. Mitochondria are therefore involved in all aspects of apoptosis, from its activation through to the phagocytosis of dead cells.
Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva Medical School, 1 Rue M. Servet, 1206 Genève, Switzerland.
Grazia M
GM
Cereghetti
Luca
L
Scorrano
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000378:metabolism; D053078:Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; D051379:Mice; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D010586:Phagocytes / Q000276:immunology; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D000071246:Uncoupling Protein 2
D007473:Ion Channels; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins; D000071246:Uncoupling Protein 2; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate