Cell culture and genetic transfection methods for the Japanese scallop, Patinopecten yessoensis

Cell cultures can simplify assays of biological phenomena; therefore, cell culture systems have been established for many species, even invertebrates. However, there are few primary culture systems from marine invertebrates that can be maintained long term. The Japanese scallop, Patinopecten yessoensis, is a marine bivalve. Cell culture systems for the scallop have only been established for a few organ-derived cell types and for embryonic cells. We developed a primary culture system for cells from male and female scallop gonads, hepatopancreas, and adductor muscle by utilizing culture conditions closer to those in nature, with regard to temperature, osmolarity, and nutrition. Primary cultured female gonadal cells were maintained for more than 1 month and had potential for proliferation. Furthermore, a genetic transfection system was attempted using a scallop-derived promoter and a lipofection reagent. GFP-positive cells were detected in the attempt. These technical developments would promote our understanding of biochemical mechanisms in scallops as well as providing clues for establishment of immortalized molluscan cell lines.