Characterization of a 200-kDa diatom protein that is specifically associated with a silica-based substructure of the cell wall

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Nils Kröger - , Chair of Biomimetic Materials, University of Regensburg (Author)
  • Gerhard Lehmann - , University of Regensburg (Author)
  • Reinhard Rachel - , University of Regensburg (Author)
  • Manfred Sumper - , University of Regensburg (Author)

Abstract

The cell wall of a diatom is made up of a silica-based scaffold and organic macromolecules. Proteins located in the cell wall are believed to control morphogenesis of the species-specific silica structures of the scaffold. However, data that correlate distinct silica elements and specific proteins within the diatom cell wall have not been reported. Here, the cell wall protein HEP200 (200-kDa HF-extractable protein) from the diatom Cylindrotheca fusiformis is identified and characterized. HEP200 is tightly associated with a substructure of the silica scaffold. It is a member of a new protein family, of which two more members are identified. Each member displays the same bipartite structure. The N-terminal part consists of a variable number of a repeated sequence motif (PSCD domain), whereas the C-terminal part is unique. Immunolocalization experiments revealed the arrangement of different proteins within the cell wall. Frustulins, a previously described group of glycoproteins, constitute the outer coat of the cell wall and exhibit a ubiquitous distribution. In contrast, HEP200 is specifically located at a subset of about six silica strips in intact cell walls, shielded by frustulins. This study therefore identifies a diatom cell wall protein (HEP200) that is associated with a distinct substructure of the silica scaffold.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)99-105
Number of pages7
JournalEuropean Journal of Biochemistry
Volume250
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 1997
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 9431996

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Biomineralization, Cylindrotheca fusiformis, Girdle band, Immunolocalization, Morphogenesis

Library keywords