Skeletogenesis in the sea urchin embryo

Primary mesenchyme cell migration in the sea urchin embryo: distribution of directional cues

The directional migration of the primary mesenchyme cells (PMCs) of the sea urchin embryo is a critical step in the process of gastrulation. Although interactions between the migrating cells and the blastocoel environment are necessary for guiding the PMCs to their subequatorial target site, the nature of these interactions and the localization of guidance cues involved in directing the cells are not yet known. Previous studies have suggested that PMC migration is the result of random exploration and selective trapping at the target site by a pattern of adhesiveness in the ectoderm or basal lamina. To better characterize the distribution of guidance cues in the blastocoel we used a combination of time-lapse microscopy, microsurgery, and fluorescence photoablation to study the behavior of the migrating cells. By using fluorescence time-lapse microscopy, and a two-dimensional random-walk analysis of cell trajectories, we demonstrated that fluorescently labeled PMCs injected near the animal pole move in a directed fashion over a relatively long distance to reach the target site. This suggests that guidance cues are distributed globally throughout the embryo and are not restricted to the immediate ring area. To further test this hypothesis we investigated the migratory behavior of PMCs that were prevented from interacting directly with the target site. First, we examined the behavior of PMCs injected into animal embryo fragments lacking the target site. We found that PMCs move to the vegetal-most area of such embryo fragments, regardless of their size. Second, we studied the effects of photoablating a stripe of ectoderm between PMCs injected at the animal pole region (APR) and the target site. PMCs were found to accumulate along the ablated stripe and were unable to cross it for up to 6 hr after ablation. We also examined the migratory behavior of endogenous PMCs in embryos treated with lithium, a vegetalizing agent which shifts the position of the PMC ring toward the animal pole. We found that PMCs accumulated along an ablated stripe of ectoderm positioned below the shifted target site, suggesting that endogenous PMCs follow a set of directional cues to the target site which may be similar to those used by PMCs injected into the APR. As a whole, these results suggest that migrating PMCs follow a set of directional cues that are widely distributed throughout the blastocoel and that may be arranged in a gradient.

Characterization of a homolog of human bone morphogenetic protein 1 in the embryo of the sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus

A cDNA clone encoding a protein homologous to human bone morphogenetic protein 1 (huBMP1) was isolated from a sea urchin embryo cDNA library. This sea urchin gene, named suBMP, encodes a protein of M(r) of 72 × 10(3). The deduced amino acid sequence of suBMP shares 72% sequence similarity (55% identity) with that of huBMP1. Like huBMP1 it also contains an N-terminal metalloendoprotease domain that shares sequence similarity with the astacin protease from crayfish, a C-terminal domain that is similar to the repeat domain found in C1r or C1s serine proteases, and an EGF-like segment. Although suBMP mRNA was detectable at a low level in the unfertilized egg, maximal expression of mRNA was observed at hatched blastula stage, with only a modest decrease in level at later stages of development. In situ hybridization studies revealed that suBMP mRNA is found in both ectodermal and primary mesenchyme cells in hatched blastula-stage embryos. Maximal expression of suBMP was observed at mesenchyme blastula, just before the onset of primitive skeleton (spicule) formation. SuBMP was found by immunoelectronmicroscopy in all cell types in late gastrula stage embryos. The antibody gold particles appeared in small clusters in the cytoplasm, on the surface of the cells and within the blastocoel. This distribution of suBMP, coupled with the finding that it was associated with membranes but was released by sodium carbonate treatment, suggests that the protein is secreted, and subsequently associates with a cell surface component. Two models for the possible function of suBMP in spiculogenesis in the sea urchin embryo are discussed.

Size regulation and morphogenesis: a cellular analysis of skeletogenesis in the sea urchin embryo

The formation of the skeleton is a central event in sea urchin morphogenesis. The skeleton serves as a framework for the larval body and is the primary determinant of its shape. Previous studies have shown that the size of the skeleton is invariant despite wide experimentally induced variations in the number of skeleton-forming primary mesenchyme cells (PMCs). In the present study, we have used PMC transplantation, fluorescent cell markers and confocal laser scanning microscopy to analyze cellular aspects of skeletal patterning. Labeling of embryos with 5-bromodeoxyuridine demonstrates that the entire embryonic phase of skeletal morphogenesis occurs in the absence of PMC division. During embryogenesis, skeletal rods elongate by one of two mechanisms; either preceded by a cluster (plug) of PMCs or by extending along an existing PMC filopodial cable. Elongation of skeletal rods occurs exclusively by the addition of new material at the rod tips, although radial growth (increase in rod thickness) occurs along the length of the rods. Photoablation of a distinctive region of ectoderm cells at the arm tip results in an inhibition of skeletal rod elongation, indicating that a local ectoderm-PMC interaction is required for skeletal growth. The regulation of skeletal patterning was also examined in embryos that had been microinjected with additional PMCs and in half-sized larvae derived from blastomeres isolated at the 2-cell stage. Microinjection of 50–100 PMCs into the blastocoel at the mesenchyme blastula stage leads to an increase in the numbers of PMCs along all skeletal rods and a two-fold increase in the number of cells in the plugs, yet no increase in the length of the skeletal rods. The length of the anal rods can, however, be increased by microinjecting developmentally ‘young’ PMCs into the arm tips of late stage embryos. We find that the rate of skeletal rod elongation is independent of both the mode of rod growth (chain or plug) and the number of PMCs in the plug at the growing rod tip. Instead, the rate of elongation appears to be strictly regulated by the quantity of ectodermal tissue present in the embryo. These studies provide new information concerning normal mechanisms of skeletal growth and patterning and lead us to propose a model for the regulation of skeleton size based upon an intrinsic PMC ‘clock’ and an ectoderm-derived signal that regulates the rate of skeletal rod elongation.

Characterization of post-translational modifications common to three primary mesenchyme cell-specific glycoproteins involved in sea urchin embryonic skeleton formation

Previous studies have established the importance of a complex, N-linked oligosaccharide chain, recognized by a monoclonal antibody (mAb 1223), in the formation of sea urchin embryonic skeletal components known as spicules. To further investigate the function of this epitope, mAb 1223 was added to primary mesenchyme (PM) cell cultures prior to spiculogenesis. The antibody did not inhibit cell migration, cell attachment, or synthesis of the filapodial networks upon which the spicules are deposited. However, it did block deposition of mineralized CaCO3 along these filapodia, strongly supporting the previously proposed role for the 1223 epitope in calcium accumulation and/or deposition. Previously the 1223 epitope has been most extensively studied in association with a mesenchyme-specific protein of 130 kDa (msp 130). It has now been established, by Western blot analysis of whole embryo and PM cell extracts using mAb 1223, that two other proteins of 205 and 250 kDa contain the 1223 epitope. A study of the developmental profiles of expression of these glycoproteins revealed that all three were first expressed just prior to spiculogenesis, consistent with a role for any or all of these proteins in this process. Additionally all three proteins incorporated ethanolamine, myristate, and palmitate, the precursors of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. Further labeling studies revealed differences in the metabolic lability of the GPI anchor in the three proteins; pulse-chase studies demonstrated that the ethanolamine moiety was stable in msp 130, but was rapidly chased from the 205-kDa protein (T1/2 = 14 hr). Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C partially released (50%) msp 130 from the PM cell surface, whereas it had no effect on release of the 205- and 250-kDa proteins. Studies with 35SO4 labeling and PNGase F treatment directly established that all three proteins are sulfated, and that most of the sulfate is attached to the N-linked oligosaccharide chains. Thus, the three major mAb 1223-reactive glycoproteins in PM cells are also the three major proteins containing both sulfated N-linked oligosaccharide chains and GPI anchors. Further investigation of this intriguing correlation may help to define the precise function of the 1223 epitope in the process of spicule formation.

Primary mesenchyme cells of the sea urchin embryo require an autonomously produced, nonfibrillar collagen for spiculogenesis

A collagen molecule in the sea urchin embryo was characterized by analysis of a 2.7-kb cDNA clone. This clone, Spcoll, was obtained by screening a gastrula stage Strongylocentrotus purpuratus cDNA library with a 237-bp genomic clone encoding a collagen-like sequence previously isolated by Venkatesan et al. (1986). DNA sequence analysis of the cDNA clone demonstrated the nonfibrillar nature of the encoded molecule--13 interruptions of the Gly-X-Y repeat motif were found in the 85-kDa open reading frame. The mRNA of approximately 9 kb accumulated specifically in mesenchyme cells of the embryo through development to the pluteus larva. Polyclonal antibodies generated against a Spcoll-beta-galactosidase fusion protein were utilized to identify and localize the native Spcoll. This collagen molecule of approximately 210 kDa was deposited into the blastocoel by the primary mesenchyme cells. When primary mesenchyme cells were cultured in vitro, Spcoll was secreted into the media and accumulated at sites of cell-substrate interaction. Addition of anti-Spcoll antibodies to primary mesenchyme cell cultures selectively inhibited spiculogenesis, whereas other antibodies had no inhibitory effect. Since collagen is not a component of the organic matrix of spicules (Benson et al., 1986), these results suggest that the autonomous production of Spcoll by differentiating mesenchyme cells in turn influences the point in differentiation at which these cell initiate biomineralization.

Characterization and expression of a gene encoding a 30.6-kDa Strongylocentrotus purpuratus spicule matrix protein

We describe here the isolation and characterization of several cDNA clones that encode a single 30.6-kDa Strongylocentrotus purpuratus spicule matrix protein designated SM30. The clones were isolated by screening a lambda gt11 cDNA library with a rabbit polyclonal antiserum raised against S. purpuratus total spicule matrix proteins. DNA sequencing reveals that the SM30 protein is acidic. RNA blot analysis shows that the cDNAs hybridize to a single 1.8-kb transcript and that there is a sharp increase in the SM30 transcript levels at middle to late mesenchyme blastula stage. SM30 transcript levels remain high through the 3-day pluteus stage. In situ hybridization analysis indicates that, within the embryo, SM30 transcript accumulation is restricted to the primary mesenchyme cells. Quantitations of SM30 transcript levels show that by the prism stage there are about 29,000 SM30 transcripts present per embryo, which averages to approximately 480 transcripts per primary mesenchyme cell. Additionally, RNA blot analysis of total RNA isolated from adult tissues shows that SM30 mRNA accumulates exclusively in mineralized tissues. These findings taken together strongly suggest that the gene corresponding to the SM30 cDNAs does in fact encode a spicule matrix protein.

Role of the extracellular matrix in tissue-specific gene expression in the sea urchin embryo

The role of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the differentiation of tissue types was examined in embryos of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. We have examined the expression of various tissue-specific molecular markers after disrupting the ECM by culturing embryos in the presence of beta-aminoproprionitrile fumarate (BAPN), which disrupts collagen deposition, and beta-D-xyloside, which disrupts proteoglycan metabolism. The markers examined included accumulation of primary mesenchyme-specific mRNA (SM 50); an aboral ectoderm-specific mRNA (Spec 1); and a gut-specific enzyme, alkaline phosphatase. Treatment with BAPN or beta-D-xyloside results in developmental arrest at the mesenchyme blastula stage. Although spicule formation is inhibited, the accumulation of SM 50 transcripts and the synthesis of most of the prominent spicule matrix proteins is similar to that of control embryos. Spec 1 mRNA, in contrast, while accumulating to a significant extent when collagen and proteoglycan metabolism is disrupted, does accumulate to a level somewhat lower than that seen in control embryos. Additionally, the postgastrula rise in gut-specific alkaline phosphatase is reversibly inhibited by BAPN and xyloside treatment. These results demonstrate a differential effect of the ECM on expression of tissue-specific molecular markers.

The regulation of primary mesenchyme cell patterning

The primary mesenchyme cells (PMCs) of the sea urchin embryo undergo a dramatic sequence of morphogenetic behaviors that includes migration, localization at specific sites within the embryo, and synthesis of the larval skeleton. To gain information about how these processes are regulated, PMC migration and patterning were analyzed in embryos with experimentally altered numbers of PMCs. PMC movements were followed by labeling the cells with a fluorescent dye, rhodamine B isothiocyanate, or with the PMC-specific monoclonal antibody 6a9. These methods show that individual PMCs have the capacity to join any position in the pattern, and rule out the possibility that PMC morphogenesis involves a sorting out of discrete subpopulations of cells to predetermined sites. All sites in the PMC pattern have the capacity to accept more cells than they normally do, and PMCs do not appear to compete with one another for preferred sites in the pattern. Even in embryos with 2-3 times the normal complement of PMCs, all these cells take part in spiculogenesis and the resultant skeleton is normal in size and configuration. Two special sites along the basal lamina (those corresponding to the positions of the PMC ventrolateral clusters) promote spicule elongation, an effect that is independent of the numbers of PMCs at these sites. These observations emphasize the role of the basal lamina, blastocoel matrix, and embryonic epithelium in regulating key aspects of PMC morphogenesis. The PMCs remain highly flexible in their ability to respond to patterning cues in the blastocoel, since postmigratory PMCs will repeat their patterning process if microinjected into the blastocoel of young recipient embryos.

Functions of maternal mRNA in early development

In this review, the types of mRNAs found in oocytes and eggs of several animal species, particularly Drosophila, marine invertebrates, frogs, and mice, are described. The roles that proteins derived from these mRNAs play in early development are discussed, and connections between maternally inherited information and embryonic pattern are sought. Comparisons between genetically identified maternally expressed genes in Drosophila and maternal mRNAs biochemically characterized in other species are made when possible. Regulation of the meiotic and early embryonic cell cycles is reviewed, and translational control of maternal mRNA following maturation and/or fertilization is discussed with regard to specific mRNAs.

Cell interactions in the sea urchin embryo studied by fluorescence photoablation

In many organisms, interactions between cells play a critical role in the specification of cell fates. In the sea urchin embryo, primary mesenchyme cells (PMCs) regulate the developmental program of a subpopulation of secondary mesenchyme cells (SMCs). The timing of this cell interaction was analyzed by means of a fluorescence photoablation technique, which was used to specifically ablate PMCs at various stages of development. In addition, the PMCs were microinjected into PMC-depleted recipient embryos at different developmental stages and their effect on SMC fate was examined. The critical interaction between PMCs and SMCs was brief and took place late in gastrulation. Before that time, SMCs were insensitive to the suppressive signals transmitted by the PMCs.

The accumulation and translation of a spicule matrix protein mRNA during sea urchin embryo development

In this report we further characterize the expression of the gene that encodes the 50-kDa spicule matrix protein (SM50) during development of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. Quantitative measurements of SM50 mRNA levels using the single-stranded probe excess titration technique indicate that SM50 transcript levels attain a maximum level of 8000 to 10,000 transcripts per embryo by the gastrula stage, representing 120 to 200 SM50 mRNAs per primary mesenchyme cell. Experiments analyzing run-on transcription in nuclei isolated at different stages of development indicate that the sharp increase in SM50 mRNA levels occurring at the time of primary mesenchyme ingression is concomitant with an increase in transcription of the SM50 gene. We have also analyzed the RNA sequences present on polyribosomes at different stages of development. These studies indicate that SM50 mRNA is present on polyribosomes as soon as it begins to accumulate (which is well in advance of overt spicule formation) and SM50 mRNA remains on polyribosomes through subsequent development. From estimates of the rate of SM50 protein synthesis based on these data, we calculated that the maximum amount of SM50 accumulated during development through the 4-day pluteus stage is approximately 7.4 pg/embryo. This approximation is concordant with the amount of SM50 actually found in the sea urchin embryo.

Inhibitors of metalloendoproteases block spiculogenesis in sea urchin primary mesenchyme cells

Metalloendoproteases have been implicated in a variety of fusion processes including plasma membrane fusion and exocytosis. As a prerequisite to skeleton formation in the sea urchin embryo, primary mesenchyme cells undergo fusion via filopodia to form syncytia. The spicule is formed within the syncytial cable by matrix and mineral deposition. To investigate the potential involvement of a metalloendoprotease in spiculogenesis, the effect of inhibitors of this enzyme on skeleton formation was studied. Experiments with primary mesenchyme cells in vitro and in normal embryos revealed that skeleton formation was blocked by these inhibitors. These findings implicate a metalloendoprotease in spiculogenesis; such an enzyme has been demonstrated in homogenates of primary mesenchyme cells. The most likely site of action of the metalloendoprotease is at the cell membrane fusion stage and/or at subsequent events requiring membrane fusion.