Release of lysophospholipid ‘find-me’ signals during apoptosis requires the ATP-binding cassette transporter A1

Abstract

Efficient engulfment of apoptotic cells is essential in multi-cellular organisms in order to prevent inflammatory responses. Apoptotic cells secure this process by releasing ‘find-me’ signals for the attraction of phagocytes. A major ‘find-me’ signal liberated from apoptotic cells is lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). So far, however, the mechanisms underlying LPC release are poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition and RNAi-mediated knock-down of the lipid transporter ABCA1 in apoptotic cells completely abolished phagocyte attraction. Moreover, ectopic expression of ABCA1 significantly enhanced monocyte migration to supernatants of apoptotic cells. Hence, ABCA1 represents a novel regulator of LPC release during apoptosis.

Keywords::

• Apoptosis
• chemotaxis
• ‘find-me’ signal
• lysophosphatidylcholine
• ATP-binding cassette transporter

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the DFG We 1801/2-3, SFB 685, SFB 773, and SFB 914.

Declaration of interest : The authors declare no conflict of interest. The authors are responsible for the content and the writing of this paper.