Structural assembly of the glycan-rich, chitin-reinforced adhesive of Hydra is coordinated by a lectin-like protein, HvAb1
Matthias Achrainer, Julia Ofer, Mario Kanetscheider, Lisa Polz, Nick Aldred, Gruener Kevin, Stefan Redl, Angelina Neumann, Anna Seybold, Bert Hobmayer, Birgit Lengerer
This study identifies HvAb1 as a lectin-like protein organizing a glycan-rich, chitin-reinforced adhesive in Hydra, enabling reversible underwater adhesion.
bioRxiv · Jul 21, 2026 · PreprintZoology