Integrative analysis of single-nucleus RNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq reveals germline cells development dynamics and niches in the Pacific oyster gonad

Huihui Wang; Hong Yu; Qi Li

doi:10.1016/j.isci.2024.109499

Integrative analysis of single-nucleus RNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq reveals germline cells development dynamics and niches in the Pacific oyster gonad

iScience. 2024 Mar 14;27(4):109499. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109499. eCollection 2024 Apr 19.

Authors

Huihui Wang¹, Hong Yu^{1

2}, Qi Li^{1

2

3}

Affiliations

¹ Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266003, China.
² Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China.
³ Laboratory of Tropical Marine Germplasm Resources and Breeding Engineering, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572000, China.

Abstract

Gametogenesis drives the maturation of germ cell precursors into functional gametes, facilitated by interactions with the niche environment. However, the molecular mechanisms, especially in invertebrates, remain incompletely understood. In this study, the gonadal microenvironment and gametogenic processes in the Pacific oyster, a model for diffuse gonadal organization and periodic gametogenesis, are investigated. We combine single-nucleus RNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq to analyze gonadal microenvironments in oysters. Twenty-three male and nineteen female gonadal cell clusters are identified, revealing four male and three female germ cell types, alongside follicular cells in females and Sertoli/Leydig cells in males. The NOTCH and BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) signaling pathways play a significant role in the male germline niche, suggesting similarities with mammalian germ cell microenvironment. This study offers valuable insights into germ cell developmental transitions and microenvironmental characteristics.

Keywords: Aquatic biology; Developmental biology; Transcriptomics; Wildlife reproduction.