FACIT collagen (1 α-chain) is expressed by hemocytes and epidermis during the inflammatory response of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis

Based on previous cloning and sequencing study, real-time PCR and in situ hybridization assays of the inflamed body wall of LPS-injected Ciona intestinalis showed the enhanced gene expression of a collagen with FACIT structural features ( Ci-type IX-Col 1 α-chain). By using specific antibodies raised against an opportunely chosen Ci-type IX-Col synthetic peptide, the fibroblast property of hemocytes challenged in vitro with LPS (at 4 h) was displayed by flow cytometry, while immunocytochemistry identified hemocytes with large granules (morula cells) as collagen-producing cells. Hemocyte lysate supernatant analyzed in immunoblotting contained a 60 kDa band identifiable as 1 α-chain- Ci-type IX-Col. Observations of body wall sections (immunohistochemistry method) supported the role of hemocytes and showed that epidermis expressed Ci-type IX-Col 1 α-chain in the time course of the inflammatory reaction (within 24 h). Transcript and protein were mainly found in the epidermis that outlined the proximal side of the tunic matrix (at 24 h after LPS injection), in cells associated with the epidermis at 4 and 192 h. In conclusion, the C. intestinalis inflammatory response to LPS challenge appeared to be composed of a complex reaction set, and for the first time we showed in ascidians a granulation tissue with FACIT-collagen production that could participate in inflammation and wound healing. Like in vertebrates, C. intestinalis acute inflammatory reactions result in a regulated pattern of tissue repair with collagen expression during remodelling. Ci-type IX-Col could be involved in a network of non-fibril-forming collagens that participates in the organization of extracellular matrix and defense responses.