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PVF2, a PDGF/VEGF‐like growth factor, induces hemocyte proliferation in Drosophila larvae
Author(s) -
Munier AnneIsabelle,
Doucet Daniel,
Perrodou Emmanuel,
Zachary Daniel,
Meister Marie,
Hoffmann Jules A.,
Janeway Charles A.,
Lagueux Marie
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
embo reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.584
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1469-3178
pISSN - 1469-221X
DOI - 10.1093/embo-reports/kvf242
Subject(s) - biology , microbiology and biotechnology , platelet derived growth factor receptor , growth factor , drosophila (subgenus) , haematopoiesis , receptor , platelet derived growth factor , drosophila melanogaster , vascular endothelial growth factor , cell growth , vegf receptors , cancer research , genetics , stem cell , gene
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.