Proteomic analyses reveal the key role of gene co-option in the evolution of Scaly-foot Snail scleritome

This project aims to uncover the co-option and preservation of ancient proteins through the process of sclerite development in deep-sea creature Chrysomallon Squamiferum. Proteomes of the evolutionarily novel hard part, the sclerite and the long conserved spirial shell were studied, in comparison to the shell proteome of the confimilial species Gigantopelta aegis, which resides the same habitate. Proteins were extracted from the biomineralized hard parts and we employed LC-MS/MS to identify the proteins contained in those hard parts. Transcriptomic analysis was accompanied to undergo a more throughout study.