Isolation and characterization of spicule proteins from Strongylocentrotus purpuratus

A simple method is described for the isolation of spicules from pluteus embryos of the sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. Radio-iodination of the demineralized matrix reveals six bands on SDS protein gels. Treatment with N-glycanase leads us to believe that some of these proteins are N-linked glycoproteins.