In situ 3D visualization of biomineralization matrix proteins

Publication date: Available online 9 January 2020Source: Journal of Structural BiologyAuthor(s): Oliver R.B. Thomas, Kay L. Richards, Steven Petrou, Blaine R. Roberts, Stephen E. SwearerAbstractCalcium biominerals occur in all major animal phyla, and through biomolecular control, exhibit such diverse structures as exoskeletons, shells, bones, teeth and earstones (otoliths). Determining the three-dimensional expression of key biomineral proteins, however, has proven challenging as typical protein identification methods either lose spatial resolution during dissolution of the mineral phase or are costly and limited to two-dimensional expression of high abundance proteins. Here we present a modification of the CLARITY and ACT-PRESTO protocols to visualize and confirm, for the first time, the timing of expression and function of two key regulators of biomineralization.Graphical abstract

Source: Journal of Structural Biology - January 9, 2020 Category: Biology Source Type: research