LpC4 gene codes for the cytosceletal type actin (Fang et al., 1996). Actin represents one of the most abundunt and best characterized structural
components in eucaryotic cells, involved in a wide variety of cytoskeletal, locomotive, and tension-generating functions (Davidson, 1989).
Each haploid L. pictus genome contains a single copy of each of the actin genes LpC1, LpC2, LpC3, LpC4, and LpM.
Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA clones have detected no close linkage of L.pictus actin genes in contrast to
the cytosceletal actins of S. purpuratus, which are clustered into two linkage groups of related genes (Fang et al., 1996).
The LpC4 actin gene may serve as a marker of
of the primary mesenchyme cells as they begin actively
engage in sceletogenesis (Fang et al., 1996).
Protein
LpC4 protein belongs to a family of the cytoskeletal
actins (Fang et al., 1996).
SWISS_PROT: Q25380
Subcellular location
Cytoplasmic
Expression Pattern
The LpC3 and LpC4 transcripts showed similar temporal patterns of accumulation and
are much more less abundant than the LpC1 and LpC2 mRNAs.
The transcripts are not detected until the mesenchyme blastula stage.
The level of transcripts increase during gastrulation
and remains constant through the prefeeding pluteus stage
The LpC4 actin gene is preferentially expressed in the
primary mesenchyme cells (PMCs) at gastrula and pluteus stages.
It is also detected in some secondary mesenchyme cells (SMCs)
at pluteus stage. LpC4 actin transcripts were first detected in clusters
of PMCs ventrolaterally located at the positions where the two
aboral arms will later protrude. More PMCs were stained in plutei.
Some cells embedded in the ectodermal wall, presumably the pigment cells,
were lightly stained in the late gastrula embryo. Although LpC4 mRNA
can be detected by Nothern blots at the mesenchyme blastula stage,
it was not detected until gastrula by whole mount in situ hybridization.
LpC4 mRNA may be present in low levels in many cells at mesenchyme blastula stage,
making them difficult to detect (Fang et al., 1996).
mRNA level
Temporal accumulation
Method: Nothern blot hybridization
Reference: Fang et al., 1996
Stage
Egg
Mesenchyme blastula
Gastrula
Prism
Pluteus
Level
-
+
+
+
+
Spatial localization
Method: Whole mount in situ hybridization
Reference: Fang et al., 1996
Stage
Late gastrula
Pluteus
Tissue
PMCs, some cells embedded in the ectodermal wall, presumably the pigment cells (lightly stained)
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