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Function and Development of Deep-sea Mussel Bacteriocytes Revealed by snRNA-seq and Spatial Transcriptomics
Hao Chen1, Mengna Li1,2, Zhaoshan Zhong1
1Center of Deep Sea Research, Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
Genomics, Proteomics & Bioinformatics
|November 25, 2025
Summary
Deep-sea mussels host symbiotic microbes within specialized bacteriocytes. These cells manage microbial interactions, metabolism, and development, showcasing host-symbiont interdependence crucial for deep-sea adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Symbiosis Research
- Deep-Sea Ecology
Background:
- Deep-sea chemosynthetic ecosystems feature unique host-microbe symbioses.
- Bacteriocytes, host cells harboring symbionts, are vital but poorly understood in these environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function and development of bacteriocytes in deep-sea mussels.
- To elucidate host-symbiont interactions within these specialized cells.
Main Methods:
- In situ decolonization assays.
- Single-nucleus and spatial transcriptomics.
- Multi-omics data analysis and 3D reconstruction.
Main Results:
- Bacteriocytes regulate immune responses for endosymbiont management.
- Bacteriocytes engage in metabolic exchange (carbohydrate, ammonia) with symbionts.
- Developmental trajectories of bacteriocytes were mapped, influenced by conserved transcription factors and symbionts.
Conclusions:
- Deep-sea mussel bacteriocytes exhibit functional and developmental plasticity.
- Host-symbiont interdependence is key for adaptation to extreme deep-sea environments.
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