Single-cell study uncovers scallop gonads development at cellular level
image: Single-cell RNA sequencing of six-month-old Argopecten irradians gonads revealed six distinct cell types along with the intercellular communication networks and signaling pathways that drive gonadal development.
Credit: Ya Shu and team, Ocean University of China.
In a new study published in Water Biology and Security, scientists from the Ocean University of China have constructed the first detailed cell map of the gonad in the hermaphroditic bay scallop (Argopecten irradians), a commercially important species in global aquaculture.
Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), the team profiled over 5,600 individual cells from the gonads of six-month-old scallops. They identified six major cell types, including germ cells and five types of somatic cells, such as accessory cells, hemocytes, and ciliated cells.
“A notable finding was the identification of three subtypes of accessory cells, which support germ cell development,” shares co-corresponding author Dr. Lingling Zhang. “One subtype was found exclusively in the ovarian region, suggesting a unique role in oocyte development and oogenesis.”
The study further revealed extensive cell-cell communication between germ cells and accessory cells, mediated by key signaling pathways including TGF-β, Notch, and Wnt, which help coordinate germ cell growth and maturation.
“This study presents the first systematic characterization of the cellular composition of the scallop gonad,” adds Zhang. “It provides crucial foundational data for understanding the cellular mechanisms of scallop reproduction, paving the way for future improvements in breeding strategies.”
###
Contact the author: Dr. Lingling Zhang, MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Email: lingling80@ouc.edu.cn
The publisher KeAi was established by Elsevier and China Science Publishing & Media Ltd to unfold quality research globally. In 2013, our focus shifted to open access publishing. We now proudly publish more than 200 world-class, open access, English language journals, spanning all scientific disciplines. Many of these are titles we publish in partnership with prestigious societies and academic institutions, such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC).