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  • Microscopy of extracellular matrices in molting sea slaters Ligia pallassii (Crustacea: Isopoda)
    Štrus, Jasna ; Tušek-Žnidarič, Magda ; Repnik, Urška
    Crustacean cuticle is an extracellular matrix secreted by epidermal cells which is constantly remodeled during molt cycle. Exoskeletal cuticle of marine crustaceans is generally thick, composed of ... numerous layers, pigmented and heavily mineralized. Cuticle of marine isopod crustaceans is less complex and shows specific adaptations to terrestrial lifestyle in amphibious species. Sea slaters of the genus Ligia are an excellent model for studies of exoskeleton structure, and its structural and functional adaptations related to transition from marine to land habitats. Cuticle of sea slaters is an important surface barrier, prevents ion and water loss and enablies mobility and communication in terrrestrial environment. Cuticle of strictly terrestrial woodlice is well described and its structure reflects specific adaptations to land lifestyle. Here we describe cuticle ultrastructure of sea slaters Ligia palassii from US North Pacific coast with special emphasis on structure and composition of individual layers during molt cycle. We combine different microscopies, from computer tomography (CT) to light and electron microscopy, focusing on visualization of chemical composition of layers with gold-conjugated WGA lectins on frozen Tokuyasu sections of tissue samples. In premolt animals epidermal cells secrete new cuticle already before the old cuticle is cast. Preecdysal cuticle is composed of lipo-proteinaceous epicuticle with diversified scales and chitinous-proteinaceous exocuticle. A remarkable feature of epicuticle is an extensive layer of spirally woven tubular structures, which are mostly located at the scale bases, and is similar to wax layer of insect cuticle. In intramolt animals that undergo ecdysis and in postmolt animals endocuticle is secreted and cuticle is further elaborated by secretion of additional layers and calcification. Cuticle is perforated by numerous pore channels with extending cytoplasmic projections which connect the hypodermis and the apical cuticular layers. Our results show that cuticle of amphibious sea slaters is a living structure which is constantly remodeled by secretion of chitinous fibers and different proteins including proteins that nucleate calcium minerals. Anti adhesive and hydrophobic surface of cuticle is probably maintained by secretion of wax-like lipids through epicuticular channels resulting in an extensive epicuticular network of nanotubules on the surface of premolt and postmolt animals.
    Source: Abstract book [Elektronski vir] (Str. 62)
    Type of material - conference contribution
    Publish date - 2017
    Language - english
    COBISS.SI-ID - 4456271

    Link(s):

    http://www.embs52.org/programme/book-of-abstracts.html

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