Lustrin A

Lustrin A is an insoluble protein used in the production of a nacreous layer in bivalve molluscs.[1] It contributes to the properties of the nacreous layer, imparting resistance to cracking and elasticity.[2] This is accomplished by its structure; it consists of many spring-like units which can expand when the shell is under extensional pressure.[3] Its structure is similar to that of proteins involved in silica deposition in diatoms.[1] It consists of 1428 amino acid residues. Its molecular weight is estimated to be 142 kDa. Its terminus consists of a protease inhibitor, which contributes to its longevity in the molluscan shell matrix.[3]

References
  1. Shen, X.; Belcher, A. M.; Hansma, P. K.; Stucky, G. D.; Morse, D. E. (1997). "Molecular Cloning and Characterization of Lustrin A, a Matrix Protein from Shell and Pearl Nacre of Haliotis rufescens". Journal of Biological Chemistry. 272 (51): 32472–81. doi:10.1074/jbc.272.51.32472. PMID 9405458.
  2. Jackson, D.; McDougall, C.; Green, K.; Simpson, F.; Wörheide, G.; Degnan, B. (2006). "A rapidly evolving secretome builds and patterns a sea shell". BMC Biology. 4: 40. doi:10.1186/1741-7007-4-40. PMC 1676022. PMID 17121673.
  3. Marin, F.; Luquet, G. (2004). "Molluscan shell proteins". Comptes Rendus Palevol. 3 (6–7): 469–492. doi:10.1016/j.crpv.2004.07.009.
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