Formation, Structure and Function of the Sea Urchin Spicule

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Animals use calcium taken from the environment to formed mineralized hard tissues, like shells, teeth and bones. The mechanisms used to carry out the formation of teeth and skeletons are not well understood. The central issue addressed by this research is to use biochemical approaches to learn how cells can precipitate and crystallize calcium salts, and then form the beautiful and useful structures necessary for dentition and skeletal support. The proposed research focuses on the sea urchin embryo, which forms an elaborate internal skeleton made of calcium carbonate. The cells that make this skeleton, and the skeleton itself, are accessible and the formation of the skeleton can be investigated in real time in these transparent embryos. We expect to learn the precise role of various proteins found in the skeleton, and how they influence its formation and its properties. This kind of information is very useful in learning how vertebrate teeth and bones are formed. Furthermore, the way in which proteins influence the material properties (like flexibility and hardness) of the skeleton have implications for synthesis of prosthetics and other useful materials.