RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Astrocytes and microglia play orchestrated roles and respect phagocytic territories during neuronal corpse removal in vivo JF Science Advances JO Sci Adv FD American Association for the Advancement of Science SP eaba3239 DO 10.1126/sciadv.aba3239 VO 6 IS 26 A1 Damisah, Eyiyemisi C. A1 Hill, Robert A. A1 Rai, Anupama A1 Chen, Fuyi A1 Rothlin, Carla V. A1 Ghosh, Sourav A1 Grutzendler, Jaime YR 2020 UL http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/6/26/eaba3239.abstract AB Cell death is prevalent throughout life; however, the coordinated interactions and roles of phagocytes during corpse removal in the live brain are poorly understood. We developed photochemical and viral methodologies to induce death in single cells and combined this with intravital optical imaging. This approach allowed us to track multicellular phagocytic interactions with precise spatiotemporal resolution. Astrocytes and microglia engaged with dying neurons in an orchestrated and synchronized fashion. Each glial cell played specialized roles: Astrocyte processes rapidly polarized and engulfed numerous small dendritic apoptotic bodies, while microglia migrated and engulfed the soma and apical dendrites. The relative involvement and phagocytic specialization of each glial cell was plastic and controlled by the receptor tyrosine kinase Mertk. In aging, there was a marked delay in apoptotic cell removal. Thus, a precisely orchestrated response and cross-talk between glial cells during corpse removal may be critical for maintaining brain homeostasis.