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Elucidation Of The Signaling Pathway Of Mertk, Kyle Taruc

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Mer tyrosine kinase (MERTK) is a receptor tyrosine kinase which mediates efferocytosis-the recognition and uptake of apoptotic cells. MERTK serves as the predominant efferocytic receptor in several tissues, including in the heart, with single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with up to a 75% increased risk of atherosclerosis in humans. MERTK facilitates the internalization of apoptotic cells via a MERTK/integrin pathway that involves, in part, PI-3-kinase signaling and signaling via Src-family kinases. While these elements of the MERTK signaling pathway have been identified, much of MERTK’s signaling mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Pharmacological inhibitors were used to block signaling through canonical phagocytic …