Abstract
In barnacle shell, the calcified shell layer is laid on top of the epicuticle. Here, we report our strategy and some preliminary results on the identification of potential shell proteins of the barnacle Megabalanus rosa. At first, M. rosa proteins from acid-soluble and acid-insoluble shell extracts were subjected to proteomic analysis and searched against M. rosa complete transcriptome. Then using the information that the calcified shell is formed just after the larval-adult molt, juvenile differentially expressed genes against larval stages were screened. Sixty secretory protein sequences were identified as primary candidates of M. rosa shell proteins, among which 37 are novel proteins.
Highlights
Thoracican barnacles produce a heavily calcified shell that, unlike their crustacean relatives, does not shed away (Walley 1969)
The calcified shell plates produced by the subtidal thoracican barnacle Megabalanus rosa are composed of the operculum plates (OPs), the lateral wall plates (WPs), and the basal shell plate (BP) (Fig. 11.1)
We present an integrated transcriptomic and proteomic approach for the identification of barnacle shell protein candidates
Summary
Thoracican barnacles produce a heavily calcified shell that, unlike their crustacean relatives, does not shed away (Walley 1969). The calcified shell plates produced by the subtidal thoracican barnacle Megabalanus rosa are composed of the operculum plates (OPs), the lateral wall plates (WPs), and the basal shell plate (BP) (Fig. 11.1). OPs consist of two pairs of shell plates, namely, terga and scuta. These are movable plates that serve as the shutter of the soft body. M. rosa produces four pairs of WPs, which are the major shell plates that protect the interior soft body from mechanical impact. BP is the calcified shell plate at the bottom of the barnacle, separating the barnacle soft body from the rock substratum surface. Each of these plates has different functions. We present an integrated transcriptomic and proteomic approach for the identification of barnacle shell protein candidates
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have