Immunohistochemical localization of a tenascin-like extracellular matrix protein in sea urchin embryos

Abstract

We have used polyclonal antisera raised against vertebrate tenascin to identify and localize tenascin-like proteins in the developing sea urchin. These antisera recognize high-molecular weight proteins on immunoblots of sea urchin embryo homogenates that are similar in size and appearance to tenascin from vertebrates. These proteins appear as a doublet with an apparent molecular weight of 150 kDa and a larger, broad band with an apparent molecular weight of 350 kDa. Whole mounts of sea urchin embryos and larvae were stained with one of these antisera. The anti-tenascin stained the surface of primary mesenchyme cells during their phase of active migration. This staining was sensitive to deter..