Selection of Reference Genes for Expression Analysis of Kumamoto and Portuguese Oysters and Their Hybrid

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR) is a rapid and reliable technique which has been widely used to quantifying gene transcripts(expression analysis). It is also employed for studying heterosis, hybridization breeding and hybrid tolerability of oysters, an ecologically and economically important taxonomic group. For these studies, selection of a suitable set of housekeeping genes as references is crucial for correct interpretation of q RT-PCR data. To identify suitable reference genes for oysters during low temperature and low salinity stresses, we analyzed twelve genes from the gill tissue of Crassostrea sikamea(SS), Crassostrea angulata(AA) and their hybrid(SA), which included three ribosomal genes, 28 S ribosomal protein S5(RPS5), ribosomal protein L35(RPL35), and 60 S ribosomal protein L29(RPL29); three structural genes, tubulin gamma(TUBγ), annexin A6 and A7(AA6 and AA7); three metabolic pathway genes, ornithine decarboxylase(OD), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase(GAPDH) and glutathione S-transferase P1(GSP); two transcription factors, elongation factor 1 alpha and beta(EF1α and EF1β); and one protein synthesis gene(ubiquitin(UBQ). Primers specific for these genes were successfully developed for the three groups of oysters. Three different algorithms, ge Norm, Norm Finder and Best Keeper, were used to evaluate the expression stability of these candidate genes. Best Keeper program was found to be the most reliable. Based on our analysis, we found that the expression of RPL35 and EF1α was stable under low salinity stress, and the expression of OD, GAPDH and EF1α was stable under low temperature stress in hybrid(SA) oyster; the expression of RPS5 and GAPDH was stable under low salinity stress, and the expression of RPS5, UBQ, GAPDH was stable under low temperature stress in SS oyster; the expression of RPS5, GAPDH, EF1β and AA7 was stable under low salinity stress, and the expression of RPL35, EF1α, GAPDH and EF1β was stable under low temperature stress in AA oyster. Furthermore, to evaluate their suitability, the reference genes were used to quantify six target genes. In conclusion, we have successfully developed primers appropriate for the expression analysis in SS, SA and AA.

Early Embryo and Larval Development of Inviable Intergeneric Hybrids Derived from Crassostrea angulata and Saccostrea cucullata

To detect the intergeneric hybridization between the oyster Crassostrea angulata and Saccostrea cucullata coexisting along the southern coast of China, reciprocal crosses were conducted between the two species. Barriers for sperm recognizing, binding, penetrating the egg, and forming the pronucleus were detected by fluorescence staining. From the results, although fertilization success was observed in hybrid crosses, the overall fertilization rate was lower than that of intraspecific crosses. A large number of hybrid larvae died at 6–8 d after hatching, and those survived could not complete metamorphosis. C. angulata ♀× S. cucullata ♂ larvae had a growth rate similar to that of the maternal species, whereas S. cucullata ♀× C. angulata ♂ larvae grew the slowest among all crosses. Molecular genetics analysis revealed that hybrid progeny were amphimixis hybrids. This study demonstrated that hybrid embryos generated by crossing C. angulata and S. cucullata could develop normally to the larval state, but could not complete metamorphosis and then develop to the spat stage. Thus, there is a post-reproductive isolation between C. angulata and S. cucullata.

Impact of seawater acidification on shell property of the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum grown within and without sediment

Although the impact of ocean acidification on marine bivalves has been previously investigated under mainly controlled laboratory conditions,it is still unclear whether the impact of acidification on sediment-burrowing species differs between those within or without sediment.In order to fill this gap in our knowledge,we compared shell properties of the infaunal Manila clam(Ruditapes philippinarum)exposed to three pH concentrations(7.4,7.7,and 8.0),within and without sediments.In the first experiment(140 d),clams were exposed to seawater in an acidification system without sediment.A decrease in shell weight corresponding to the increase in dissolution rate was observed in the group ofpH 7.4,at which shell color disappeared or whitened.SEM observations confirmed the changes of the external shell surface.In the second experiment(170 d),sediment was placed at the bottom of each exposure chamber.The effects were found obvious in shell dissolution rate and shell color in the shell specimens exposed to overlying seawater but not found in the shell specimens exposed to sediment.Although the experimental period was longer in the second experiment,shell specimens in the first experiment were more seriously damaged than those in the second experiment under acidic seawater conditions.Our results,in relation to the defense function of the shell,show that marine bivalves in burrowing behavior are more adaptable to seawater acidification than those who do not burrow into sediment.

Interspecific Hybridization Between Crassostrea angulata and C. ariakensis

Interspecific hybridization can generate heterosis, which is proven to be a useful tool in selective breeding programs for oyster culture. Crassostrea angulata and C. ariakensis are two important economic shellfish species in China. We conducted 2 × 2 reciprocal crosses to determine whether these two species can cross-fertilize and their hybrids can hatch, survive and perform heterosis. Fertilization was found symmetrical without delay. The rate of fertilization success of C. angulata ♀× C. ariakensis ♂ was lower than that of C. ariakensis ♀× C. angulata ♂, and the success rate of both hybridizations was lower than that of two intraspecific crosses each. During the planktonic period, survival rate of the progeny was lower in the hybrid crosses than in the intraspecific crosses. On day 360, mean shell height of the progeny of C. angulata ♀× C. angulata ♂ was highest, which was followed by that of C. angulata ♀× C. ariakensis ♂, C. ariakensis ♀× C. ariakensis ♂ and C. ariakensis ♀× C. angulata ♂ in a descending order. Morphology of adults produced by the hybrid crosses was similar to that of C. angulata. Both hybrids underwent normal gonad development and produced mature gametes in the mating season. This study provided new insights into the quantitative traits in interspecific crosses of Crassostrea species, thus being of guidance value for selective breeding of oyster.