Comparative Transcriptomics Provides Insight into the Neuroendocrine Regulation of Spawning in the Black-Lip Rock Oyster (Saccostrea echinata)

Md Abu Zafar; Saowaros Suwansa-ard; Aiden Mellor; Max Wingfield; Karl Reiher; Abigail Elizur; Scott F. Cummins

doi:10.3390/ijms262010032

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Comparative Transcriptomics Provides Insight into the Neuroendocrine Regulation of Spawning in the Black-Lip Rock Oyster (Saccostrea echinata)

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Comparative Transcriptomics Provides Insight into the Neuroendocrine Regulation of Spawning in the Black-Lip Rock Oyster (Saccostrea echinata)

Md Abu Zafar, Saowaros Suwansa-ard, Aiden Mellor, Max Wingfield, Karl Reiher, Abigail Elizur and Scott F. Cummins

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Vol.26(20), pp.1-21

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262010032

PMCID: PMC12564202

PMID: 41155324

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Abstract

black-lip oyster

reproduction

spawning

transcriptome

gene expression

The black-lip rock oyster, Saccostrea echinata, is an emerging aquaculture species; however, difficulties in regulating their gonad conditioning to full maturation and spawning have impacted industry progress. Addressing this challenge requires a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying reproduction, particularly the signalling molecules (e.g., neuroendocrine hormones) that regulate gonad development and spawning, which remains poorly understood in this species. Therefore, we investigated the molecular neuroendocrine regulation of gonad maturation in S. echinata through the analysis of gonad histological changes correlated with gene expression in the visceral ganglia and gonad (of male and female) at pre- and post-spawn stages. Our targeted analysis of neuropeptide genes demonstrated that only LASGLVamide showed significant differential expression, being upregulated in the pre-spawn female gonad. Of the 26 reproductive-related genes identified, four were significantly upregulated in female gonad (SOX9, Dax1, Nanos-like, and Piwi-like), while an insulin-like peptide receptor was elevated in male visceral ganglia at post-spawn. Untargeted investigation revealed numerous transmembrane receptors significantly upregulated in the pre-spawn ovary, such as receptors for thyrotropin-releasing hormone, metabotropic glutamate, and 5-hydroxytryptamine, while mesotocin and oxytocin receptors were upregulated in pre-spawn male gonads. At the post-spawn stage, the visceral ganglia displayed upregulation of genes encoding stress-related proteins such as superoxidase dismutase and DnaJ homologue subfamily A member 1. These findings provide important insights into the complexities of neuroendocrine signalling molecules and establish a molecular foundation to guide selective breeding and broodstock management strategies that will support sustainable aquaculture development of black-lip rock oyster.

Details

Title: Comparative Transcriptomics Provides Insight into the Neuroendocrine Regulation of Spawning in the Black-Lip Rock Oyster (Saccostrea echinata)
Authors: Md Abu Zafar - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Bioinnovation
Saowaros Suwansa-ard - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Bioinnovation
Aiden Mellor - Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
Max Wingfield - Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
Karl Reiher - Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
Abigail Elizur - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Bioinnovation
Scott F. Cummins (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Bioinnovation
Publication details: International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Vol.26(20), pp.1-21
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date published: 2025
DOI: 10.3390/ijms262010032
ISSN: 1422-0067
PMID: 41155324; PMC12564202
Copyright note: © 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Data Availability: Dataset available on request from the authors.
Grants: Harnessing the aquaculture potential of Queensland's native rock oysters, 2021-047, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (Australia, Canberra) - FRDC
Grant note: UniSC Postgraduate Research Scholarship to M.A.Z.
Organisation Unit: School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991173338902621
Output Type: Journal article

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