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The Adhesive Glycoprotein of the ORB Web of Argiope Aurantia (Araneae, Araneidae)

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Abstract

A phosphorylated, glycoprotein preparation has been obtained from orb webs of the araneid spider Argiope aurantia. This preparation probably contains proteins from more than one gland type, but resolution of these proteins has not yet been achieved. Nevertheless, a major component appears to be the adhesive glycoprotein(s) from the adhesive spiral. A product of the aggregate glands2,6, this glycoprotein(s) occurs as discrete nodules along the core fibers of the adhesive spiral, within the viscid, aqueous droplets11,12.

The glycoprotein preparation has a high apparent molecular weight (> 200 kDa) and is polydisperse. The only monosaccharide constituent identified by gas-liquid chromatography or in lectin studies is N-acetylgalactosamine and this is at least primarily O-linked to threonine. By electron microscopy, linear, unbranched and apparently flexible filaments are observed. Phosphorylated serine and threonine residues are present in the preparation and glycine, proline and threonine together account for about 57 mole % of the preparation's amino acid content. Thus, in some, but not all, respects, this glycoprotein preparation is reminiscent of a secretory mucin.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, 03824, USA

    Edward K. Tillinghast & Mark A. Townley

  2. Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA

    Thomas N. Wight

  3. Institut für Immunbiologie, Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Straße 15, D-5000, Köln 41, Germany

    Gerhard Uhlenbruck & Eveline Janssen

Authors
  1. Edward K. Tillinghast
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  2. Mark A. Townley
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  3. Thomas N. Wight
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  4. Gerhard Uhlenbruck
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  5. Eveline Janssen
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Tillinghast, E.K., Townley, M.A., Wight, T.N. et al. The Adhesive Glycoprotein of the ORB Web of Argiope Aurantia (Araneae, Araneidae). MRS Online Proceedings Library 292, 9–23 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-292-9

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