” Cilia are bundled together with structures called compartmenting lamellae (CL),” states author Professor Kazuo Inaba. “These lamellae are believed to be crucial for the orientation and simultaneous motion of cilia. In a previous research study, we discovered a protein, called CTENO64, that is needed for the orientation of the cilia, but thats discovered in only one part of the CL. We still didnt totally comprehend the total architecture of the lamellae.”
The comb plate is divided into 2 unique compartments: distal and proximal. With the understanding that CTENO64 is discovered in the proximal compartment, and to much better understand the molecular structure of the CL, the scientists examined whole proteins discovered throughout the comb plate. They recognized those that were both abundant and revealed gene expression in only comb plate cells. This search clarified 21 proteins, including a newly found protein called CTENO189, which is discovered in a different region of the CL than that of CTENO64.
” When we knocked out the gene for this new-found protein, the CL did not appear at all in the distal area of the comb plate,” explains Professor Inaba. “A closer take a look at the structure showed that while the comb plates formed normally, the cilia remained in disarray and the regular wave-like motion pattern vanished.”
Together, these studies suggest that the two distinct regions of the CL play different functions in managing the movement of comb jellies. The proximal CL provides a strong building foundation, while the distal CL ensures a flexible connection between cilia. Together, these proteins discovered in the CL preserve the rippling movement that moves comb jellies through their ocean environment.
Recommendation: “Two unique compartments of a ctenophore comb plate offer structural and practical stability for the motility of huge multicilia” by Kei Jokura, Yu Sato, Kogiku Shiba and Kazuo Inaba, 21 October 2022, Current Biology.DOI: 10.1016/ j.cub.2022.09.061.
The study was moneyed by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan.
Adjacent comb plates wave semi-synchronously. Credit: University of Tsukuba
University of Tsukuba researchers find a protein that controls the distinct motion of comb jellies.
The rainbow of moving lights noticeable along the sides of comb jellies is one of the most fascinating sights in the ocean. Now, Japanese scientists have actually found a protein that manages the motion of these lights and, by extension, the motion of these unmistakable underwater creatures.
In a recent study published in Current Biology, scientists from the University of Tsukuba determined a protein in comb jellies that are vital for the advancement and movement of their comb plates, the comb-like physical structures that give these animals their name.
These bands are made up of rows of comb plates with tens of thousands of tiny hair-like structures understood as cilia. Comb jellies are moved through the water by the whipping of these comb plates.
These bands are made up of rows of comb plates with 10s of thousands of tiny hair-like structures understood as cilia. Comb jellies are moved through the water by the beating of these comb plates. The comb plate is divided into 2 distinct compartments: proximal and distal. With the understanding that CTENO64 is discovered in the proximal compartment, and to much better understand the molecular composition of the CL, the scientists examined entire proteins discovered throughout the comb plate.