Spec2d

Function

Spec2d is the aboral ectoderm specific gene.
It codes for a calcium-binding protein from the troponin C superfamily (Xiang et al., 1988).
The function of this protein is unknown, its accumulation in the aboral ectoderm cells marks a commitment to a pathway of histospecific differentiation in the embryo (Gan et al., 1993).

Protein

Spec2d is a calcium-binding proteins with the molecular mass of 14,000-17,000 Da (Xiang et al., 1988).
SWISS_PROT: P15844

Subcellular location

Expression Pattern

The Spec2d mRNAs accumulate mostly during the gastrula and pluteus stages of development. This mRNAs is restricted to the aboral ectoderm cells and their precursors (Hardin P.E. et al., 1988).

mRNA level

Temporal accumulation*
Method: RNA blot hybridization
Reference: Hardin et al., 1988

Stage Egg Cleavage Hatching blastula Midgastrula Pluteus

Level - - - + +

* Spec2d probe is specific for Spec2d and one or two other very closely related rare mRNAs.
Spec2d transcripts are rarer than other Spec transcripts. Spec2d mRNAs are first detectable at the gastrula stage and continue to accumulate through the pluteus stage.

Spatial localization*
Method: in situ hybridization
Reference: Hardin et al., 1988

Stage 18 hr hatching blastula 22 hr mesenchyme blastula 44 hr late gastrula 60 hr prism/pluteus 75 hr pluteus

Tissue - - AE AE AE

* Spec2d probe is specific for Spec2d and one or two other very closely related rare mRNAs.