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Bio-adhesion: Search for Vitronectin in Caulerpa mexicana

Caulerpa is single-celled, multi-nucleated tropical green alga which produces morphologically distinct structures such as erect blades and root-like rhizoids along a cylindrical main body (1). The rhizoids are responsible for anchoring the plant to a variety of substrate types such as solid rock, shells, and mud. Recent studies have shown that Caulerpa contains a vitronectin-like protein (2). Vitronectin is generally found in the extra-cellular matrix of mammals where it is involved in cell to cell adhesion (3). The vitronectin-like proteins are thought to be associated with adhesion pads found on Caulerpa rhizoids. Fig. 1. Habit picture of Caulerpa mexicana showing morphologically distinct regions