Annexin I is an endogenous ligand that mediates apoptotic cell engulfment

Swathi Arur, Uche E. Uche, Karim Rezaul, Michael Fong, Victoria Scranton, Ann E. Cowan, William Mohler, David K. Han

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

372 Scopus citations

Abstract

Engulfment of apoptotic cells requires presentation of new cell surface ligands by the dying cells. Using a differential proteomics technology, we identify that annexin I is a caspase-dependent engulfment ligand; it is recruited from the cytosol and exported to the outer plasma membrane leaflet, colocalizes with phosphatidylserine, and is required for efficient clearance of apoptotic cells. Furthermore, phosphatidylserine receptor (PSR) clustering around apoptotic cells indicates a requirement for annexin I. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, downregulation of the annexin homolog prevents efficient engulfment of pharyngeal cell corpses. These results provide novel mechanistic insights into how apoptotic cells are removed and may explain a pathogenic mechanism of chronic inflammatory diseases where annexin I autoantibodies have been described.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)587-598
Number of pages12
JournalDevelopmental cell
Volume4
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2003
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

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