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Sex-Specific Transcriptome Signatures in Pacific Oyster Hemolymph
Jingwei Song1, Odile V J Maurelli1, Mark S Yeats1
1Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences, Coastal Oregon Marine Experimental Station (COMES), Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University, Newport, OR 97365, USA.
Genes
|September 27, 2025
Summary
Pacific oysters show subtle sex-specific gene expression in hemolymph during gametogenesis. These findings suggest conserved molecular pathways for environmental sex determination (ESD) across diverse species.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Genomics
- Invertebrate reproduction
Background:
- Sex determination and differentiation vary greatly across species.
- Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas) are key marine species with significant aquaculture value.
- Their sex determination mechanisms remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify molecular markers associated with sex during gametogenesis in Pacific oysters.
- To understand the molecular basis of sex differentiation in a sequential hermaphrodite.
Main Methods:
- Hemolymph was repeatedly sampled from Pacific oysters over two months.
- RNA-sequencing was performed on male and female oysters.
- Sex phenotypes were confirmed by biopsy.
Main Results:
- Subtle, sex-specific transcriptional signatures were found in hemolymph.
- Gametogenesis occurred asynchronously within and between sexes.
- Females prioritized cell division, while males suppressed it in early maturation.
- Females showed higher expression of solute carrier family (SLC) genes.
- Differential expression of ion gradient and signal transduction genes was observed.
Conclusions:
- Gametogenesis in Pacific oysters is a complex and dynamic process.
- Molecular pathways involved in environmental sex determination (ESD) may be conserved between invertebrates and vertebrates.
