Snails from the genus Pomacea lay conspicuous masses of brightly colored eggs above the water. Coloration is
given by carotenoproteins that also which play important roles in protection against sun radiation, stabilizing
and transporting antioxidant molecules and helping to protect embryos from desiccation and predators. They
seem a key acquisition, but have been little studied. Here we report the characteristics of the major
carotenoprotein from Pomacea maculata and the first comparison among these egg proteins. This particle, hereafter
PmPV1, represents ~52% of perivitellin fluid protein. It is a glyco-lipo-carotenoprotein responsible for the
bright reddish egg coloration. With VHDL characteristics,PmPV1 apparent molecular mass is 294 kDa, composed
of five non-covalently bound subunits of pI 4.7–9.8 and masses between 26 and 36 kDa whose N-terminal sequences
were obtained. It is a glyco-lipo-carotenoprotein scarcely lipidated (b1%) but highly glycosilated (13%
by wt). Lipids include phospholipids, free fatty acids and carotenoids; mannose and galactose predominate
over othermonosaccharides.Main carotenoids are esterified and non-esterified astaxanthin (71 and 25%, respectively).
Carotenoid removal does not seem to affect the structural characteristics of the oligomer, while
deglycosilation reduces subunit number from five to a single one. The carotenoid–protein association protected
the former against oxidation. PmPV1 cross reacts with polyclonal antibodies against the PcOvo, the major
carotenoprotein from Pomacea canaliculata. The characterization of PmPV1 allows the first comparisons among
snail carotenoproteins and further highlights the importance of these perivitellins in the reproductive strategy
of Pomacea.