Fragile phagocytes: FMRP positively regulates engulfment activity

J Cell Biol. 2017 Mar 6;216(3):531-533. doi: 10.1083/jcb.201702034. Epub 2017 Feb 22.

Abstract

Defective immune system function is implicated in autism spectrum disorders, including Fragile X syndrome. In this issue, O'Connor et al. (2017. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201607093) demonstrate that phagocytic activity of systemic immune cells is compromised in a Drosophila melanogaster model of Fragile X, highlighting intriguing new mechanistic connections between FMRP, innate immunity, and abnormal development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism
  • Drosophila melanogaster / immunology
  • Drosophila melanogaster / metabolism
  • Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein / metabolism*
  • Fragile X Syndrome / immunology*
  • Fragile X Syndrome / metabolism*
  • Immunity, Innate / immunology*
  • Phagocytes / immunology*
  • Phagocytes / metabolism*

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein