Munier, A.I., Doucet, D., Perrodou, E., Zachary, D., Meister, M., Hoffmann, J.A., Janeway, C.A., Lagueux, M. (2002). PVF2, a PDGF/VEGF-like growth factor, induces hemocyte proliferation in Drosophila larvae. EMBO Rep. 3(12): 1195--1200.
FlyBase ID
FBrf0155740
Publication Type
Research paper
Abstract
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.
