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First published online November 24, 2004
doi: 10.1242/10.1242/jcs.01547

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Distinct roles for multiple Src family kinases at fertilization

Forest J. O'Neill^*, Jessica Gillett^* and Kathy R. Foltz

Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology and the Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9610, USA

Author for correspondence (e-mail: foltz{at}lifesci.ucsb.edu)

Accepted 20 September 2004

Egg activation at fertilization requires the release of Ca²⁺ from the endoplasmic reticulum of the egg. Recent evidence indicates that Src family kinases (SFKs) function in the signaling pathway that initiates this Ca²⁺ release in the eggs of many deuterostomes. We have identified three SFKs expressed in starfish (Asterina miniata) eggs, designated AmSFK1, AmSFK2 and AmSFK3. Antibodies made against the unique domains of each AmSFK protein revealed that all three are expressed in eggs and localized primarily to the membrane fraction. Both AmSFK1 and AmSFK3 (but not AmSFK2) are necessary for egg activation, as determined by injection of starfish oocytes with dominant-interfering Src homology 2 (SH2) domains, which specifically delay and reduce the initial release of Ca²⁺ at fertilization. AmSFK3 exhibits a very rapid and transient kinase activity in response to fertilization, peaking at 30 seconds post sperm addition. AmSFK1 kinase activity also increases transiently at fertilization, but peaks later, at 2 minutes. These results indicate that there are multiple SFKs present in starfish eggs with distinct, perhaps sequential, signaling roles.

Key words: Src Family Kinase, Fertilization, Echinoderm, Egg activation

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