The genetic regulation of hemocyte number in Drosophila melanogaster

Animals have specialised blood cells called phagocytes that eliminate cells that pose threats to health, including dying cells and pathogens. How well phagocytes can protect the animal depends on their numbers in the body, and if not carefully controlled, disease ensues. This thesis investigated the genetic factors that regulate phagocyte numbers using the fruit fly animal model. Two new and critical signals that promote phagocyte number were found and their mechanisms of action were determined. Related signals in mammals also control phagocyte number. These findings therefore bear relevance to the mechanisms that control phagocyte number in many animals.