Immunolocalization of skeletal matrix proteins in tissue and mineral of the coral Stylophora pistillata.

ABSTRACT: The precipitation and assembly of calcium carbonate skeletons by stony corals is a precisely controlled process regulated by the secretion of an ECM. Recently, it has been reported that the proteome of the skeletal organic matrix (SOM) contains a group of coral acid-rich proteins as well as an assemblage of adhesion and structural proteins, which together, create a framework for the precipitation of aragonite. To date, we are aware of no report that has investigated the localization of individual SOM proteins in the skeleton. In particular, no data are available on the ultrastructural mapping of these proteins in the calcification site or the skeleton. This information is crucial to assessing the role of these proteins in biomineralization. Immunological techniques represent a valuable app

SUBMITTER: Mass T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4156710 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature