Identification of three cell populations from the shell gland of a bivalve mollusc

The molluscan larval shell formation is a complicated process. There is evidence that the mantle of the primary larva (trochophore) contains functionally different cell populations with distinct gene expression profiles. However, it remains unclear how these cells are specified. In the present study...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Development Genes and Evolution
Main Authors: Liu, Gang, Huan, Pin, Liu, Baozhong
Format: Report
Language:English
Published: SPRINGER 2020
Subjects:
Cell population
Mollusc
Shell formation gene
Shell gland
Cell Biology
Evolutionary Biology
Developmental Biology
LARVAL DEVELOPMENT
EMBRYONIC-DEVELOPMENT
EXPRESSION
GENE
BOUNDARIES
PARAHOX
DPP
HOX
Crassostrea gigas
Online Access:http://ir.qdio.ac.cn/handle/337002/165390
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00427-020-00646-9
Description
Summary:The molluscan larval shell formation is a complicated process. There is evidence that the mantle of the primary larva (trochophore) contains functionally different cell populations with distinct gene expression profiles. However, it remains unclear how these cells are specified. In the present study, we identified three cell populations from the shell gland in earlier stages (gastrula) from the bivalve mollusc Crassostrea gigas. These cell populations were determined by analyzing the co-expression relationships among six potential shell formation (pSF) genes using two-color hybridization. The three cell populations, which we designated as SGCPs (shell gland cell populations), formed a concentric-circle pattern from outside to inside of the shell gland. SGCP I was located in the outer edge of the shell gland and the cells expressed pax2/5/8, gata2/3, and bmp2/4. SGCP II was located more internally and the cells expressed two engrailed genes. The last population, SGCP III, was located in the central region of the shell gland and the cells expressed lox4. Determination of the gene expression profiles of SGCPs would help trace their origins and fates and elucidate how these cell populations are specified. Moreover, potential roles of the SGCPs, e.g., development of sensory cells and shell biogenesis, are suggested. Our results reveal the internal organization of the embryonic shell gland at the molecular level and add to the knowledge of larval shell formation.

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