Genetic Coding in Biomineralization of Microlaminate Composites

1992 ◽  
Vol 292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel E. Morse ◽  
Marios A. Cariolou ◽  
Galen D. Stucky ◽  
Charlotite M. Zaremba ◽  
Paul K. Hansma
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matrix ◽  
Nucleation And Growth ◽  
Direct Crystallization ◽  
Basic Principles ◽  
Shell Matrix ◽  
Additional Protein ◽  
Flexible Deformation ◽  
Abalone Shell ◽  
Crystalline Domains ◽  
Present Understanding

AbstractBiomineralization is precisely controlled by complex templating relationships ultimately encoded in the genes. In the formation of the molluscan shell, polyanionic pleated sheet proteins serve as templates for the nucleation and epitaxial growth of calcium carbonate crystalline domains to yield microlaminate composites of exceptional strength and crystal ordering. The strength and fracture-resistance of these composites far exceed those of the minerals themselves, as a result of both the capacity for flexible deformation of the organic matrix layers and the retardation of crack propagation at each mineral-organic interface. The basic principles controlling low temperature biosynthesis of these materials thus are of both fundamental and applied importance. The abalone shell consists of microlaminates with a remarkable regularity of lamina thickness (ca. 0.5 micron), the formation of which defies present understanding. We have found that shells of abalone larvae formed prior to metamorphosis contain only aragonite, whereas the adult shell made after metamorphosis contains both aragonite and calcite. This transition is accompanied by a switch in genetic expression of the template proteins, suggesting that the premetamorphic protein may serve as a template for aragonite nucleation and growth, while template proteins synthesized after metamorphosis may direct crystallization of calcite. These analyses are based on improvements we recently reported for the detection and purification of proteins from the demineralized shell matrix. Genetic cloning experiments now in progress are aimed at discovering additional protein sequences responsible for the programmed control of crystal phase termination, since it is the termination and reinitiation of mineralization that is responsible for the regularity of highly ordered microlaminates produced in nature.

The Possible Calcification Mechanisms in some Reptilian Egg-shells

1959 ◽  
Vol s3-100 (52) ◽  
pp. 529-538
Author(s):  
K. SIMKISS ◽  
C. TYLER
Keyword(s):  
Toluidine Blue ◽  
Organic Matrix ◽  
Acid Mucopolysaccharide ◽  
Amino Group ◽  
Carboxylate Group ◽  
Shell Matrix ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Egg Shells ◽  
Egg Shell ◽  
Comparison Of The Results

Studies have been made of the organic matrix of certain reptilian egg-shells. The interaction between egg-shell-matrix and various metal ions has been considered by noting the effect of these ions on the staining of the matrix by toluidine blue. A comparison of the results with those for the hen indicates that the chelating mechanism in the Chelonia is similar to that in the hen, but that that in the Crocodilia is different. It is suggested that in the Crocodilia the acid mucopolysaccharide of the matrix is embedded in, but not combined with, the protein and that its chelating mechanism is carboxylate group to carboxylate group, while in the hen and Chelonia, the acid mucopolysaccharide is combined with the protein and that its chelating mechanism is carboxylate group to amino group.

scholarly journals Characterization of the main steps in first shell formation in Mytilus galloprovincialis : possible role of tyrosinase

2019 ◽  
Vol 286 (1916) ◽  
pp. 20192043 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Miglioli ◽  
R. Dumollard ◽  
T. Balbi ◽  
L. Besnardeau ◽  
L. Canesi
Keyword(s):  
Time Course ◽  
Mytilus Galloprovincialis ◽  
Enzyme Inhibitor ◽  
Organic Matrix ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Shell Formation ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Matrix Deposition ◽  
Shell Matrix

Bivalve biomineralization is a highly complex and organized process, involving several molecular components identified in adults and larval stages. However, information is still scarce on the ontogeny of the organic matrix before calcification occurs. In this work, first shell formation was investigated in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis . The time course of organic matrix and CaCO 3 deposition were followed at close times post fertilization (24, 26, 29, 32, 48 h) by calcofluor and calcein staining, respectively. Both components showed an exponential trend in growth, with a delay between organic matrix and CaCO 3 deposition. mRNA levels of genes involved in matrix deposition (chitin synthase; tyrosinase- TYR) and calcification (carbonic anhydrase; extrapallial protein) were quantified by qPCR at 24 and 48 hours post fertilization (hpf) with respect to eggs. All transcripts were upregulated across early development, with TYR showing highest mRNA levels from 24 hpf. TYR transcripts were closely associated with matrix deposition as shown by in situ hybridization. The involvement of tyrosinase activity was supported by data obtained with the enzyme inhibitor N-phenylthiourea. Our results underline the pivotal role of shell matrix in driving first CaCO 3 deposition and the importance of tyrosinase in the formation of the first shell in M. galloprovincialis .

Texturization Analysis by X-ray Diffraction of Shells of the Mussel Ischadium recurvum (Rafinesque, 1820) (Mollusca Bivalvia)

2001 ◽  
Vol 711 ◽  
Author(s):  
Octavio Gómez-Martínez ◽  
Daniel H. Aguilar ◽  
Juan J. Alvarado-Gil ◽  
Patricia Quintana ◽  
Dalila Aldana-Aranda
Keyword(s):  
Diffraction Study ◽  
Organic Matrix ◽  
Nucleation And Growth ◽  
Preferred Orientation ◽  
Bivalve Mollusk ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Crystallographic Planes ◽  
Chemical Groups

ABSTRACTMost of the inorganic biomineralized materials are deposited on an organic matrix that controls the orientation and structure of the crystals. It is thought that chemical groups at the surface of the matrix may act as a template for the nucleation and growth of the mineral. A x-ray diffraction study of the texturization development of the bivalve mollusk shells is presented; specifically, the mussel Ischadium recurvum (Rafinesque, 1820), in different growing stages. The x-ray reflections show a preferred orientation that changes as the mollusk grows, and at the final stages only two crystallographic planes prevail.

Shell matrices of Recent rhynchonelliform brachiopods: microstructures and glycosylation studies

2007 ◽  
Vol 98 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 415-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danièle Gaspard ◽  
Frédéric Marin ◽  
Nathalie Guichard ◽  
Sylvain Morel ◽  
Gérard Alcaraz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matrix ◽  
Crystal Nucleation ◽  
Low Molecular Weight ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Shell Matrix ◽  
Positive Smear ◽  
Pas Staining ◽  
Polysaccharide Composition ◽  
Calcification Process ◽  
Outer Mantle Epithelium

ABSTRACTLike most metazoan biomineralisations, the brachiopod shell is the end product of a biologically controlled calcification process. The main agent of the control is the extracellular matrix, which is secreted by the outer mantle epithelium. This matrix mediates the calcification process by allowing crystal nucleation and elongation in specific orientations and finally, by stopping crystal growth. The proteinaceous moiety of brachiopod shell matrices has been extensively studied. Less known are the post-translational modifications that occur in these matrices, in particular glycosylations. In this comparison of five species of Recent articulated brachiopods, the ratio of soluble to insoluble organic matrix varies between the species. Polydisperse macromolecular materials occur in each of these species with discrete proteins of 50 kDa in Notosaria nigricans, Calloria inconspicua and Neothyris lenticularis, 37 kDa in Terebratulina retusa and Gryphus vitreus and 20–25 kDa in N. nigricans. Protein mixtures from all five species respond differently to anionic stains (Stains-All and Alcian Blue). PAS staining results in a positive smear in C. inconspicua and T. retusa and highlights low molecular weight glycoproteins in C. inconspicua. The polysaccharide composition of the soluble matrix of T. retusa is different from the others due to high proportions of arabinose and low proportions of fucose. In all cases, polysaccharide composition of the insoluble matrix is dominated by glucose and glucosamine. Insoluble matrices have more glucose and xylose and less galactosamine and glucosamine than the corresponding soluble matrix. Relatively high amounts of glucosamine may suggest the presence of chitin in the shell matrix of rhynchonelliform brachiopods.

Electron microscopical and laser diffraction studies of the nucleation and growth of crystals in the organic matrix of dentine

1971 ◽  
Vol 117 (3) ◽  
pp. 381-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. J. H�hling ◽  
F. Scholz ◽  
A. Boyde ◽  
H. G. Heine ◽  
L. Reimer
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matrix ◽  
Nucleation And Growth ◽  
Laser Diffraction ◽  
Electron Microscopical

Toward a chronology of Haliotis fulgens, with a review of abalone shell microstructure

1995 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 607 ◽  
Author(s):  
SA Shepherd ◽  
M Avalos-Borja ◽  
MO Quintanilla
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matrix ◽  
Spawning Season ◽  
First Year ◽  
Shell Microstructure ◽  
Sea Temperature ◽  
Abalone Shell

The microstructure of the shell of the abalone Haliotis fulgens consists of alternate layers of aragonite and prismatic calcium with darker organic matrix (conchiolin) that are visible as rings when the shell is ground down at the spire. This abalone deposits about four prismatic layers in the first year and three layers each year thereafter at the site studied. Prismatic layers are laid down in about April, August and November, corresponding with sea temperature minima and maxima and with the spawning season. After about 3 years of age, prismatic layers at the spire of the shell begin to be lost through erosion of the outer layers of the shell. The first prismatic layers deposited are 5-10 �m across, and later layers successively increase in thickness to a maximum of about 80 �m. This property is used to estimate the rate of erosion of layers, which is about one per annum. When the rate of deposition and the rate of erosion are known for a locality, an estimate of the true age can be made. The findings are considered in relation to the microstructure of the abalone shell.

Shell regeneration in Helix: shell matrix composition and crystal formation

1969 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 1107-1111 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. S. M. Saleuddin ◽  
Wilson Chan
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Nature ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Organic Matrix ◽  
Matrix Composition ◽  
Crystal Formation ◽  
Shell Matrix ◽  
Nucleation Sites ◽  
Small Crystals ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Shell Regeneration

The chemical nature of the electron-dense areas appearing on the organic matrix during the early stage of shell regeneration in Helix has been ascertained. These areas of 500–5000 Å are made up mainly of acid mucopolysaccharides as detected by thorium staining. When treated by 1% phosphotungstic acid (PTA) for a short period, these electron-dense areas took up the stain, suggesting the presence of mucoprotein and glycoproteins, and are probably the nucleation sites for calcification because small crystals of CaCO3 appear with them. The small crystals join to form larger ones. Crystals grow presumably by dendritic growth, and eventually form a calcified layer. Electron diffraction studies on these crystals show the presence of aragonite (type present in the normal shell) and calcite.

scholarly journals The ‘Shellome’ of the Crocus Clam Tridacna crocea Emphasizes Essential Components of Mollusk Shell Biomineralization

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takeshi Takeuchi ◽  
Manabu Fujie ◽  
Ryo Koyanagi ◽  
Laurent Plasseraud ◽  
Isabelle Ziegler-Devin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matrix ◽  
The Other ◽  
Matrix Proteins ◽  
Shell Formation ◽  
Molluscan Shell ◽  
Shell Matrix ◽  
Essential Components ◽  
Shell Matrix Proteins ◽  
Shell Organic Matrix ◽  
Tridacna Crocea

Molluscan shells are among the most fascinating research objects because of their diverse morphologies and textures. The formation of these delicate biomineralized structures is a matrix-mediated process. A question that arises is what are the essential components required to build these exoskeletons. In order to understand the molecular mechanisms of molluscan shell formation, it is crucial to identify organic macromolecules in different shells from diverse taxa. In the case of bivalves, however, taxon sampling in previous shell proteomics studies are focused predominantly on representatives of the class Pteriomorphia such as pearl oysters, edible oysters and mussels. In this study, we have characterized the shell organic matrix from the crocus clam, Tridacna crocea, (Heterodonta) using various biochemical techniques, including SDS-PAGE, FT-IR, monosaccharide analysis, and enzyme-linked lectin assay (ELLA). Furthermore, we have identified a number of shell matrix proteins (SMPs) using a comprehensive proteomics approach combined to RNA-seq. The biochemical studies confirmed the presence of proteins, polysaccharides, and sulfates in the T. crocea shell organic matrix. Proteomics analysis revealed that the majority of the T. crocea SMPs are novel and dissimilar to known SMPs identified from the other bivalve species. Meanwhile, the SMP repertoire of the crocus clam also includes proteins with conserved functional domains such as chitin-binding domain, VWA domain, and protease inhibitor domain. We also identified BMSP (Blue Mussel Shell Protein, originally reported from Mytilus), which is widely distributed among molluscan shell matrix proteins. Tridacna SMPs also include low-complexity regions (LCRs) that are absent in the other molluscan genomes, indicating that these genes may have evolved in specific lineage. These results highlight the diversity of the organic molecules – in particular proteins – that are essential for molluscan shell formation.

scholarly journals A Nature’s Curiosity: The Argonaut “Shell” and Its Organic Content

Crystals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 839
Author(s):  
Morgane Oudot ◽  
Ira Ben Shir ◽  
Asher Schmidt ◽  
Laurent Plasseraud ◽  
Cédric Broussard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Scheme ◽  
Complex Mixture ◽  
Organic Matrix ◽  
Biochemical Properties ◽  
Organic Content ◽  
Molecular Tools ◽  
Molluscan Shell ◽  
Shell Matrix ◽  
Coiled Structure

Molluscs are known for their ability to produce a calcified shell resulting from a genetically controlled and matrix-mediated process, performed extracellularly. The occluded organic matrix consists of a complex mixture of proteins, glycoproteins and polysaccharides that are in most cases secreted by the mantle epithelium. To our knowledge, the model studied here—the argonaut, also called paper nautilus—represents the single mollusc example where this general scheme is not valid: the shell of this cephalopod is indeed formed by its first dorsal arms pair and it functions as an eggcase, secreted by females only; furthermore, this coiled structure is fully calcitic and the organization of its layered microstructures is unique. Thus, the argonautid shell appears as an apomorphy of this restricted family, not homologous to other cephalopod shells. In the present study, we investigated the physical and biochemical properties of the shell of Argonauta hians, the winged argonaut. We show that the shell matrix contains unusual proportions of soluble and insoluble components, and that it is mostly proteinaceous, with a low proportion of sugars that appear to be mostly sulfated glycosaminoglycans. Proteomics performed on different shell fractions generated several peptide sequences and identified a number of protein hits, not shared with other molluscan shell matrices. This may suggest the recruitment of unique molecular tools for mineralizing the argonaut’s shell, a finding that has some implications on the evolution of cephalopod shell matrices.

In situ transmission electron microscopy observation of reversible deformation in nacre organic matrix

2008 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 1466-1471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taro Sumitomo ◽  
Hideki Kakisawa ◽  
Yusuke Owaki ◽  
Yutaka Kagawa
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Protein Structures ◽  
Organic Matrix ◽  
Organic Polymer ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Strong Adhesion ◽  
Abalone Shell

The deformation behavior of the organic polymer matrix of the biocomposite nacre structure in abalone shell was investigated by in situ straining during transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We observed strong adhesion to mineral plates and high ductility of the organic matrix, confirming a crack-bridging toughening mechanism. In addition, direct observation of reversible mechanical behavior was made in the viscoelastic reformation of matrix ligaments after failure. Crystalline β-sheet structures identified through electron diffraction suggested the presence of protein structures similar to spider or cocoon silk, and the reversible mechanism was attributed to hydration-induced unfolding and refolding of domains in these silklike proteins. This work provides further insight into the molecular and nanoscale behavior of nacre organic matrix and its contribution to bulk mechanical performance.

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