The unique fibrillar matrix of the marine spongeStelletta grubii

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
In this astrophorid sponge, both intercellular fibrils and spongin microfibrils are elaborated with the former forming exceptionally dense arrangements throughout much of the matrix. Fibrils are very dense below the surface where they surround the small silica asters and throughout the cortex in the form of bundles that can form pseudo-plywood arangements. In the endosome, fibril bundles are isolated and fewer in number. The surfaces of the large silica spicules are uniquely encased by intercellular fibrils or compacted intercellular fibrils that form a type of “fibrillar spongin” or spongin microfibrils intermixed with fibrils. Well developed microfibrillar spongin, intermixed with some fibrils, encases larger spicules below the sponge surface within the tissue and extends above the tissue surrounding spicules that emerge from the sponge thus placing this fibrillar matrix in direct contact with the sea water. The results of other studies suggest that the fibrils and microfibrils of this species are collagenous. The elaboration of these special matrices indicates that the differentiation of spongocytes (which secrete microfibrils) is weak and that the activity of lophocytes (which secrete fibril bundles) is highly labile. The variability of the fibrillar arrangements in this species supports the view that astrophorid sponges are possibly important for understanding the phylogeny of the organic skeletal matrix of sponges.