Abstract
Organic matrix proteins play an important role in the biomineralization of mollusc shells. We have identified and characterized a novel matrix protein, namely hic74, isolated from the mantle of the freshwater mussel Hyriopsis cumingii. The hic74 gene encodes a 850 amino acid protein that is rich in alanine (ala, 30.8%), glycine (gly, 25.8%) and serine (ser, 10.6%), with ala mainly existing in poly-ala forms within the ala/gly-rich regions. Quantitative PCR expression analysis demonstrated that hic74 was specifically amplified from the mantle and in situ hybridization showed a strong signal in the epithelial cells in the pallial region of the mantle. Lower levels of expression were detected during the early stages of pearl sac formation but increased and remained constant during nacreous layer formation suggesting that hic74 might be involved in this process.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
