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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
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A Whole Mount In Situ Hybridization Method for the Gastropod Mollusc Lymnaea stagnalis
Published on: March 15, 2016
Possible functions of Dpp in gastropod shell formation and shell coiling
Keisuke Shimizu1, Isao Sarashina, Hiroyuki Kagi
1Master's Program in Education, Secondary Education, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba, Japan.
Development Genes and Evolution
|May 11, 2011
Summary
The study reveals that the dpp gene is crucial for shell formation and coiling in the gastropod Lymnaea stagnalis. Inhibiting Dpp signaling disrupts shell development, leading to malformations and abnormal growth patterns.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Gastropod Shell Formation
Background:
- Gastropod shell formation involves complex developmental mechanisms.
- Understanding the genetic basis of shell coiling is key to evolutionary studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the dpp gene in shell development in the pulmonate snail Lymnaea stagnalis.
- To analyze the function of Dpp signaling in gastropod shell formation and evolution.
Main Methods:
- Examined dpp gene expression patterns during different developmental stages (trochophore, veliger).
- Utilized dorsomorphin, a Dpp signal inhibitor, to study the effects of signal disruption.
- Observed shell morphology in treated and control embryos.
Main Results:
- dpp gene expression is localized to specific areas of the shell gland and mantle.
- Inhibition of Dpp signaling before shell gland formation resulted in imperfect, unmineralized shells.
- Inhibition after shell gland formation led to cone-like, non-coiled shells.
Conclusions:
- The dpp gene plays a significant role in both the initial formation and the characteristic coiling of gastropod shells.
- Dpp signaling is essential for proper shell mineralization and morphogenesis.
- These findings contribute to understanding the developmental basis and evolution of shell diversity in gastropods.
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