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First published online 19 December 2007
doi: 10.1242/dev.015503

Development 135, 431-440 (2008)
Published by The Company of Biologists 2008
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Free-radical crosslinking of specific proteins alters the function of the egg extracellular matrix at fertilization

Julian L. Wong and Gary M. Wessel*

Department of Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, and Biochemistry, Box G-L173, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.

* Author for correspondence (e-mail: rhet{at}brown.edu)

Accepted 26 October 2007

All animal embryos begin development by modifying the egg extracellular matrix. This protein-rich matrix protects against polyspermy, microbes and mechanical stress via enzyme-dependent transformations that alter the organization of its constituents. Using the sea urchin fertilization envelope, a well-defined extracellular structure formed within minutes of fertilization, we examine the mechanisms whereby limited permeability is established within this matrix. We find that the fertilization envelope acquires a barrier filtration of 40,000 daltons within minutes of insemination via a peroxidase-dependent mechanism, with dynamics that parallel requisite production of hydrogen peroxide by the zygote. To identify the molecular targets of this free-radical modification, we developed an in vivo technique to label and isolate the modified matrix components for mass spectrometry. This method revealed that four of the six major extracellular matrix components are selectively crosslinked, discriminating even sibling proteins from the same gene. Thus, specific free-radical chemistry is essential for establishing the embryonic microenvironment of early development.

Key words: Dityrosine, Peroxidase, Permeability, Fertilization envelope, Hydrogen peroxide


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Development 2008 135: e301. [Full Text]  



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Home page
 J. Cell Sci.Home page
J. L. Wong and G. M. Wessel
Free-radical crosslinking of specific proteins alters the function of the egg extracellular matrix at fertilization
J. Cell Sci., February 1, 2008; 121(3): e306 - e306.
[Full Text]


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