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Identification of two putative adhesive polypeptides in Caulerpa prolifera rhizoids using an adhesion model system

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Abstract

The rhizoid section of the green alga Caulerpa prolifera (Cp) is active in attaching the developing plant to the substratum. A model system for the study of the adhesion of Cp rhizoids has been developed and identification of two putative adhesive polypeptides of Caulerpa (Vn-Cp) was revealed by immunodetection. A method for fast induction of new rhizoids was established using blade-base cutting followed by a few days of incubation. The new rhizoids were gently enclosed between two cover glasses and incubated until firm attachment developed. While analyzing protein extracts, two ∼60–70 kDa polypeptides (Vn-Cp I and Vn-Cp II) were identified by immunodetection with monoclonal antibodies to human vitronectin (Vn). The relative concentration values of the Vn-Cp proteins increased significantly in the ‘cell-wall’ fraction of the attached rhizoids during the incubation period. However, Vn-Cp proteins were not detected in non-attached rhizoids. Furthermore, the Vn-Cp proteins were also detectable on glass substratum subsequent to attached rhizoid removal. The induction and accumulation of Vn-Cp proteins on the ‘cell-wall’ of Caulerpa rhizoids and the firm attachment of the rhizoids to the glass substratum during the incubation period suggest that Vn-Cp proteins play a significant role in adhesion, which may be similar to the function of vitronectin in other adhesion systems. Furthermore, the high accumulation of Vn-Cp proteins on the glass substratum during attachment of new rhizoids suggests that the Vn-Cp proteins are secreted to the extracellular matrix and directly connect rhizoids to the glass substratum as an intermediate compound. These unique properties of Cp make it an excellent model system for the establishment of high amounts of adhesive material for future research.

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  1. Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research Ltd, The National Institute of Oceanography, Tel Shikmona, POB 8030, Haifa, 31080, Israel

    Boaz Levi & Michael Friedlander

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  1. Boaz Levi
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  2. Michael Friedlander
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Correspondence to Boaz Levi.

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Levi, B., Friedlander, M. Identification of two putative adhesive polypeptides in Caulerpa prolifera rhizoids using an adhesion model system. Journal of Applied Phycology 16, 1–9 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JAPH.0000019034.12015.87

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