EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX AND PRIMARY MESENCHYME DIFFERENTIATION

海胆的微细-初级间充质细胞谱系是一种 研究细胞的细胞和分子方面的模型系统 差异化。这一血统导致了钙质骨骼的出现 胚胎的(针状物)。针状体的形成需要密切的联结 在初级间充质和细胞外基质之间(E， 胚胎。我们开发了一个模型系统，利用外源ECM或 体外促进间充质细胞分化的血清。我们的首要目标是 是分离、鉴定和提高针对针刺诱导的抗体 ECM中的活动(SIA)。我们的第二个目标是识别 由血清或细胞外基质诱导的微粒。 这些转录本可能代表了早期基因产物， 这种血统的明显分化。第二个目标是独立于 第一，我们不需要识别SIA就可以分离 诱导基因及其mRNAs。

The micromere-primary mesenchyme cell lineage of the sea urchin is a model system for investigating cellular and molecular aspects of cell differentiation. This lineage gives rise to the calcareous skeleton (spicule) of the embryo. Spicule formation requires intimate association between the primary mesenchyme and the extracellular matrix (E of the embryo. We have developed a model system utilizing an exogenous ECM or serum which promotes mesenchyme differentiation in vitro. Our first aim is to isolate, characterize and raise antibodies to the spicule inducing activity (SIA) in the ECM. Our second aim is to identify transcripts in the micromeres which are induced by the serum or extracellular matrix. These transcripts presumably represent early gene products necessary for overt differentiation of this lineage. The second aim is independent of the first in that we need not identify the SIA in order to isolate the induced genes and their mRNAs.