Foot-specific differentiation processes in hydra are controlled by activating and inhibiting potentials. In an attempt to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes, two substances were isolated from Hydra vulgaris that stimulate foot-specific differentiation measured as acceleration of foot regeneration. These sub-stances were shown to be peptides of 13 and 21 amino acids, respectively, with sequences that bear no significant homology to known peptides or proteins. Polyclonal antibodies were raised against both peptides. The data obtained by biological and radioimmunoassays show that the shorter peptide, pedin, is an excellent candidate for a major component of the ‘foot-activating potential’.

Keywords:
hydra, foot regeneration, pattern formation, morphogenetically active peptide, pedin
© 1996 by Company of Biologists
1996
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