Localization of calbindin D-28K in the otoconia of lizard Podarcis sicula.
The membranous labyrinth of lizard Podarcis sicula contains calcite and aragonite crystals. Saccule, utricle and lagena contain calcite crystals while aragonite crystals are present only in the saccule where they are very abundant. We have recently demonstrated the presence of calbindin D-28K in the organic matrix of lizard P. sicula otoconia. In order to define its localization, since calbindin modulates cellular Ca2+ level, otoconia from utricle and lagena were collected separately from those from saccule and then otoconial proteins were extracted. Immunoblot assay on proteins extracted from the otoconia and confocal laser scanning microscope analyses of otoconia using monoclonal anti-calbindin D-28K antibodies indicated that calbindin D-28K is a protein typical of aragonite crystals.
Department of Genetics, General and Molecular Biology, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy.
Marina
M
Piscopo
Bice
B
Avallone
Loredana
L
D'Angelo
Umberto
U
Fascio
Giuseppe
G
Balsamo
Francesco
F
Marmo
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015153:Blotting, Western; D064026:Calbindins; D008116:Lizards / Q000378:metabolism*; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010037:Otolithic Membrane / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D064030:S100 Calcium Binding Protein G / Q000378:metabolism*; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D064026:Calbindins; D064030:S100 Calcium Binding Protein G