J Cell Sci 1993 Mar 01;104 ( Pt 3):929-38. doi: 10.1242/jcs.104.3.929.

Degradation of an extracellular matrix: sea urchin hatching enzyme removes cortical granule-derived proteins from the fertilization envelope.

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The sea urchin fertilization envelope is an extracellular matrix assembled at fertilization to prevent polyspermy and protect the embryo during early development. During hatching, the embryo secretes a proteolytic hatching enzyme which dissolves the fertilization envelope, allowing a ciliated blastula to swim free. In this study we examined ultrastructural changes in the fertilization envelope during degradation of this matrix by hatching enzyme. The completed fertilization envelope is a trilaminar structure consisting of a dense, central layer of filaments sandwiched between surface coats of paracrystalline material. Hatching enzyme disassembles this matrix by degrading the paracrystalline layers and removing macromolecules from the central layer leaving behind a thin matrix of loosely woven fibers.

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Genes referenced: LOC100887844 mmp7