• CELLMED
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.3.1-3.2
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• 2017

The efficient removal of dead cells is an evolutionarily conserved process essential for homeostasis in multicellular organisms. The phagocytosis involves a series of steps that ultimately leads the detection of apoptotic cell by the phagocytes and the subsequent engulfment and degradation of corpse. The uptake of apoptotic cells by phagocytes not only removes debris from tissues but also generates an anti-inflammatory signal that blocks tissue inflammation. Conversely, impaired clearance of dead cells can cause loss of immune tolerance and the development of various inflammation-associated diseases such as autoimmunity, but can also affect cancer development. This review will discuss current understanding of the molecular mechanism of apoptotic cell phagocytosis and how they may be related to human diseases.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.643-652
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• 2017

Calreticulin (CALR), a multifunctional protein thoroughly researched in mammals, comprises N-, P-, and C-domain and has roles in calcium homeostasis, chaperoning, clearance of apoptotic cells, cell adhesion, and also angiogenesis. In this study, the spatial and temporal expression patterns of the Opisthorchis viverrini CALR gene were analyzed, and calcium-binding and chaperoning properties of recombinant O. viverrini CALR (OvCALR) investigated. OvCALR mRNA was detected from the newly excysted juvenile to the mature parasite by RT-PCR while specific antibodies showed a wide distribution of the protein. OvCALR was localized in tegumental cell bodies, testes, ovary, eggs, Mehlis' gland, prostate gland, and vitelline cells of the mature parasite. Recombinant OvCALR showed an in vitro suppressive effect on the thermal aggregation of citrate synthase. The recombinant OvCALR C-domain showed a mobility shift in native gel electrophoresis in the presence of calcium. The results imply that OvCALR has comparable function to the mammalian homolog as a calcium-binding molecular chaperone. Inferred from the observed strong immunostaining of the reproductive tissues, OvCALR should be important for reproduction and might be an interesting target to disrupt parasite fecundity. Transacetylase activity of OvCALR as reported for calreticulin of Haemonchus contortus could not be observed.