N -linked oligosaccharide in MSP-1 and its implication for scallop calcification

We speculated the structure of the N-linked oligosaccharides enzymatically released from the organic matrix (OM) component in the foliated layer of Patinopecten yessoensis. The 80 kDa component of the soluble OM was detected by lectin blotting and was identified as MSP-1 using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). LC/MS/MS analysis of the N-glycan liberated from MSP-1 detected a hybrid-type N-glycan, which contained sulfite and sialic acid at its terminus based on the characteristic Y ions. The data strongly imply that MSP-1, a sulfated OM glycoprotein, participates in molluscan biomineralization by creating a favorable environment for calcium ion uptake through sulfite acid and sialic acid. Further analyses of oligosaccharides linked to the OM components in wide variety of species and shell microstructures may definitely contribute in elucidation of molluscan biomineralization at the molecular level.