Here we describe the immunolocalization of a membrane-bound proton pump, the V-type H+-ATPase
(VHA), in tissues and isolated cells of scleractinian corals. Immunolocalization of coral proteins requires
additional steps not required for various model organisms, such as decalcification of the coral skeleton for
immunohistochemistry or removal of cells away from the skeleton for immunocytochemistry. The tissue and
cell preparation techniques described here can be adapted for localization of other coral proteins, provided the
appropriate validation steps have been taken for the primary antibodies and species of coral used. These
techniques are important for improving our understanding of coral cell physiology.
Here we describe the immunolocalization of a membrane-bound proton pump, the V-type H+-ATPase
(VHA), in tissues and isolated cells of scleractinian corals. Immunolocalization of coral proteins requires
additional steps not required for various model organisms, such as decalcification of the coral skeleton for
immunohistochemistry or removal of cells away from the skeleton for immunocytochemistry. The tissue and
cell preparation techniques described here can be adapted for localization of other coral proteins, provided the
appropriate validation steps have been taken for the primary antibodies and species of coral used. These
techniques are important for improving our understanding of coral cell physiology.
