J Cell Sci 2008 Feb 01;121Pt 3:339-48. doi: 10.1242/jcs.012096.

Localization and diversity of 185/333 proteins from the purple sea urchin--unexpected protein-size range and protein expression in a new coelomocyte type.

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The current paradigm proposes that the innate immune systems of invertebrates are much more complex than previously thought. The highly diverse 185/333 gene family in the purple sea urchin encodes a family of closely related proteins of varying length and sequence composition. Subsets of small phagocytes and polygonal cells express 185/333 proteins with localization on the surface of the small phagocytes and within perinuclear vesicles in both cell types. In short-term cultures, coelomocytes form small aggregates that progress to syncytia that are thought to be equivalent to encapsulation in vivo. These aggregates were found to be enriched for 185/333-positive (185/333(+)) small phagocytes. In response to lipopolysaccharide challenge, coelomocytes transiently increased, including frequencies of both 185/333(+) and 185/333-negative (185/333(-)) small phagocytes and 185/333(+) polygonal cells. The 185/333 proteins were present in a broad array of sizes, most of which were larger than that predicted from the cDNAs. Recombinant 185/333 proteins expressed in bacteria and insect cells were also larger than expected, suggesting that the proteins dimerize and multimerize. The diversity of the 185/333 proteins, their expression in response to immune challenge, and their cellular localization suggests this protein family and the small phagocytes have an important immunological role in the sea urchin.

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Genes referenced: LOC100887844 LOC115919910
???displayArticle.antibodies??? 185-333 Ab1 185-333 Ab2 185-333 Ab3 potekp1 Ab1