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Related Experiment Videos

A functional cellulose synthase from ascidian epidermis.

Ann G Matthysse1, Karine Deschet, Melanie Williams

  • 1Department of Biology, Coker Hall, CB 3280, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|January 15, 2004
PubMed
Summary
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Urochordates like ascidians uniquely synthesize cellulose for their tunic. This study identifies a Ciona savignyi cellulose synthase gene, providing evidence for horizontal gene transfer of this pathway in tunicates.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Urochordates, such as ascidians, are unique among animals for their ability to biosynthesize cellulose.
  • Cellulose is synthesized in the ascidian epidermis and forms the protective tunic.
  • A cellulose synthase-like gene was previously identified in Ciona intestinalis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize a cellulose synthase gene from the ascidian Ciona savignyi.
  • To investigate the function and evolutionary origin of cellulose biosynthesis in urochordates.

Main Methods:

  • Identification and sequencing of a cellulose synthase gene from Ciona savignyi.
  • Bioinformatic analysis of the predicted amino acid sequence, comparing it to known cellulose synthases.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Functional complementation assay using a cellulose synthase (CelA) minus mutant of Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

    • Main Results:

    • A Ciona savignyi cellulose synthase gene expressed in the epidermis was identified.
    • The predicted protein shares conserved features with plant cellulose synthases but is most similar to those from bacteria, fungi, and Dictyostelium.
    • The C. savignyi cellulose synthase restored cellulose biosynthesis in an Agrobacterium mutant, confirming its enzymatic activity.

    Conclusions:

    • The identified C. savignyi protein possesses cellulose synthase activity.
    • The unique presence of cellulose biosynthesis in urochordates, coupled with enzyme similarity, supports a horizontal gene transfer hypothesis.
    • Urochordates likely acquired the cellulose biosynthetic pathway from other organisms.