The Involvement of Cell-Type-Specific Glycans in Temporary Adhesion Revealed by a Lectin Screen.

is a freshwater solitary polyp, capable of temporary adhesion to underwater surfaces. The reversible attachment is based on an adhesive material that is secreted from its basal disc cells and left behind on the substrate as a footprint. Despite constituting a standard model system in stem cell biology and tissue regeneration, few studies have addressed its bioadhesion. This project aimed to characterize the glycan composition of the adhesive, using a set of 23 commercially available lectins to label cells and footprints. The results indicated the presence of N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, fucose, and mannose in the adhesive material. The labeling revealed a meshwork-like substructure in the footprints, implying that the adhesive is mainly formed by fibers. Furthermore, lectins might serve as a marker for cells and structures, e.g., many labeled as glycan-rich nematocytes. Additionally, some unexpected patterns were uncovered, such as structures associated with radial muscle fibers and endodermal gland cells in the hypostome of developing buds.