Developmental Expression of Echinonectin, an Endogenous Lectin of the Sea Urchin Embryo.

Echinonectin (EN) is a galactose-binding lectin present in eggs and embryos of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus. Recent studies have suggested that EN is a hyaline layer protein that may function as a substrate adhesion molecule (SAM) during development. We have used monoclonal and affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies that specifically recognize this protein to determine its spatial and temporal expression during embryogenesis.