Immunohistochemical localization of endogenous D-Aspartate in the marine brown Alga Sargassum fusiforme

Immunohistochemical localization (cellular localization) of endogenous D-aspartate in the marine brown alga Sargassum fusiforme was investigated by the use of a specific polyclonal antibody raised against D-aspartate. D-Aspartate immunoreactivity was evident in the medullary layer in the blade of the alga, and weak staining was found in the cortical layer, whereas epidermal cells were found to lack D-aspartate. Within the cells of the layers, immunoreactivity was confirmed only in the cytosol and not in the cell wall, chloroplast, or vacuole. These results suggest that D-aspartate is present in S. fusiforme cells, and excludes the possibility that it is derived from attached or symbiotic organisms such as marine bacteria. This is the first report describing the localization of free D-aspartate in plant cells.