Transcriptomic analysis unveils critical genes governing early development and sex differentiation in the Cipangopaludina chinensis (Gastropoda: Viviparidae)

Abstract

The Cipangopaludina chinensis is a freshwater species of great economic value in the class Gastropoda. The research on the development of the larvae of this species and the subsequent sex differentiation mechanism is extremely limited. This study conducted transcriptome analysis on C. chinensis juveniles at various early developmental stages, as well as on their gonads before and after sexual maturity. The results indicated that during the early stages of juvenile development, key biological pathways associated with growth encompassed the meiotic cell cycle, mitotic cell cycle, and multicellular organism development. Differentially expressed genes in the pathway that were highly correlated with development include DNMT1, OGG1, MCM, WDHD1 and OGT. Combining the results of protein-protein interactions and sex differentiation-related gene family analyses, we screened candidate genes SYCP1, TUBGCP3, CDK1, and STMN1 associated with testis development, and candidate genes DAX1, β-catenin, Foxl2, and CYP3A associated with ovarian development. This study enhances our understanding of early development and sex differentiation mechanisms in C. chinensis, which provides basic research for subsequent use of molecular means to intervene in its sex ratio and improve reproductive efficiency.