Proteomic analysis of sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) spicule matrix.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The sea urchin embryo has been an important model organism in developmental biology for more than a century. This is due to its relatively simple construction, translucent appearance, and the possibility to follow the fate of individual cells as development to the pluteus larva proceeds. Because the larvae contain tiny calcitic skeletal elements, the spicules, they are also important model organisms for biomineralization research. Similar to other biominerals the spicule contains an organic matrix, which is thought to play an important role in its formation. However, only few spicule matrix proteins were identified previously.

Results

Using mass spectrometry-based methods we have identified 231 proteins in the matrix of the S. purpuratus spicule matrix. Approximat

SUBMITTER: Mann K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2909932 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature