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Echinobase
ECB-ART-42184
PLoS One 2011 Jan 01;69:e24822. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024822.
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New insights into mutable collagenous tissue: correlations between the microstructure and mechanical state of a sea-urchin ligament.

Ribeiro AR , Barbaglio A , Benedetto CD , Ribeiro CC , Wilkie IC , Carnevali MD , Barbosa MA .


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The mutable collagenous tissue (MCT) of echinoderms has the ability to undergo rapid and reversible changes in passive mechanical properties that are initiated and modulated by the nervous system. Since the mechanism of MCT mutability is poorly understood, the aim of this work was to provide a detailed morphological analysis of a typical mutable collagenous structure in its different mechanical states. The model studied was the compass depressor ligament (CDL) of a sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus), which was characterized in different functional states mimicking MCT mutability. Transmission electron microscopy, histochemistry, cryo-scanning electron microscopy, focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy, and field emission gun-environmental scanning electron microscopy were used to visualize CDLs at the micro- and nano-scales. This investigation has revealed previously unreported differences in both extracellular and cellular constituents, expanding the current knowledge of the relationship between the organization of the CDL and its mechanical state. Scanning electron microscopies in particular provided a three-dimensional overview of CDL architecture at the micro- and nano-scales, and clarified the micro-organization of the ECM components that are involved in mutability. Further evidence that the juxtaligamental cells are the effectors of these changes in mechanical properties was provided by a correlation between their cytology and the tensile state of the CDLs.

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Genes referenced: LOC100887844 LOC115919910 LOC579490


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References [+] :
Cluzel, Characterization of fibrosurfin, an interfibrillar component of sea urchin catch connective tissues. 2001, Pubmed, Echinobase