Ressource pédagogique : Dr Sophie Berland - Probing the mechanical properties and biochemical defence offered by shell matrix proteins in bivalves

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Calcium carbonate is paired up with shell matrix proteins in the suited organo-mineral outer shell in molluscs. Advanced knowledge in the shell proteome is achieved with the development of proteomics providing insights in the biological control of biomineralization at the shell side. Four bivalve species of distant kinship were subjected to proteomics for sequence and function pattern analysis of their retrieved shell matrix proteins. Domains ruling for calcification mechanisms, e.g. carbonic anhydrase, chitin binding and tyrosinase remained common in all the species signing sustained calcifying control proteins. Other shell proteins were fitted with functions beyond mineralization of which with relationship to immunity and especially the phenoloxidase pathway. Some populations of M. edulis, have adapted to the low saline Baltic Sea conditions, resulting in peculiar phenotype towards shell dawrfism with oversize periostracum, increased organic content and disorganized mineralized layers. The shell proteome was analysed with focus on the modulation of the shell proteins as a meaning of adaptive response to unbalanced conditions for shell calcification. Interestingly, proteins with immunity-related domains appeared modulated.

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• Biochimie (572)

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