Participation of the C-type hemolymph lectin in mineralization of the acorn barnacle Megabalanus rosa
Kamiya, H.; Jimbo, M.; Yako, H.; Muramoto, K.; Nakamura, O.; Kado, R.; Watanabe, T. (2002). Participation of the C-type hemolymph lectin in mineralization of the acorn barnacle Megabalanus rosa. Mar. Biol. (Berl.) 140(6): 1235-1240. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00227-002-0789-6
In: Marine Biology: International Journal on Life in Oceans and Coastal Waters. Springer: Heidelberg; Berlin. ISSN 0025-3162; e-ISSN 1432-1793, meer
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| Auteurs | | Top |
- Kamiya, H.
- Jimbo, M.
- Yako, H.
- Muramoto, K.
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- Nakamura, O.
- Kado, R.
- Watanabe, T.
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| Abstract |
BRA-2, a major C-type lectin in the hemolymph of the acorn barnacle Megabalanus rosa was detected in shell-associated proteins. Immobilized BRA-2 promoted CaCO3 crystallization as determined by an in vitro pH-drift mineralization assay. In nature, calcification occurs as wound repair in M. rosa after breakage of the shell plate. To observe this phenomenon, we inserted a rubber cube inside the mantle cavity of M. rosa through the basal plate, and kept the organisms in a tank for several weeks. The rubber cube was covered first with brownish-colored material, probably a melanin, and then with CaCO3 5 weeks after the insertion. In the CaCO3-associated proteins, BRA-3, a minor component of M. rosa hemolymph lectins, was present in addition to BRA-2. The presence of both the lectins and their ligands on the hemocyte was also observed. These results suggest that the C-type lectins of the M. rosa hemolymph participate in mineralization as well as defense in these organisms. |
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