Transcriptome analysis of growth trait differences in Mercenaria mercenaria
The growth traits of economically important species directly affect their economic value.In this study,we focused on cohorts of the hard clam(Mercenaria mercenaria)with significant differences in growth rates.Transcriptome sequencing was performed to investigate the intergroup gene expression differences related to fast and slow growth and to explore key genes that may influence the growth rate of hard clams.The results revealed 1 590 differentially expressed genes between fast-and slow-growth groups of hard clams.Functional enrichment analysis of these differentially expressed genes indicated significant enrichment in pathways related to PPAR signal transduction,immunity,and digestion.Genes encoding protein phosphatase regulatory subunits and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha may affect glucose metabolism and substance transfer processes in the PPAR signaling pathway,thereby contributing to differences in growth rates among hard clams.Individuals with higher expression levels of these genes may possess stronger metabolic and substance transfer capabilities,which result in faster growth rates.In addition,genes related to lipid digestion and metabolism,such as 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase,were significantly downregulated in fast-growing hard clams,which suggests a slower rate of fatty acid degradation and a higher accumulation of fatty acids in these clams.Conversely,glucose-6-phosphate isomerase in pathways related to polysaccharide digestion and metabolism,and immune-related genes,such as peroxiredoxins,tissue proteases,and protein phosphatases,were significantly upregulated in fast-growing hard clams.This result indicates that fast-growing hard clam cohorts may possess stronger digestive and immune capa-bilities,thereby ensuring their faster growth rates.The findings of this study provide new insights into the genetic mechanis.
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