Phagocytosis Assay for Apoptotic Cells in Drosophila Embryos

The overall goal of this procedure is to measure in vivo phagocytosis in Drosophila to assess the involvement of specific genes of interest in apoptotic cell engulfment. This method can help answer key questions in the immunology and developmental biology fields about the mechanisms involved in apoptotic cell engulfment. The main advantage of this technique is that the cells can be used easily and precisely measured in vivo phagocytosis levels.

The implication of this technique extend toward therapy of inflammatory disorders and autoimmune disease as apoptotic cell by phagocytosis is necessary for removing dangerous cells that cause inflammation. Begin by adding 200 adult female and 200 adult male fruit flies and a plate of fresh grape juice agar on yeast into a 50 milliliter conical tube. Close the tube with a sponge cap and incubate the flies in the light at 16 degrees Celsius for two to three days.