Transcriptomic analysis reveals the molecular mechanisms of heterosis in low-temperature tolerance in the hybrids of Argopecten scallops

Peican Zhu, Guizhen Wang, Yuan Liu, Lisen Wen, Qixiang Bo, Guilong Liu, Chunde Wang, Bo Liu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The F1 hybrid of Argopecten irradians irradians (♀) × A. purpuratus (♂) exhibits significant heterosis in growth performance and mid-parent heterosis in low-temperature tolerance. This study presents a comparative transcriptomic analysis of A. irradians irradians (Ai), A. purpuratus (Ap), and the hybrid A. irradians irradians♀ × A. purpuratus♂ (Aip) to explore the mechanisms underlying low-temperature tolerance heterosis in Aip. A total of 33,376 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between F1 hybrids and purebreds under cold stress. In Aip, 80.32 % of DEGs exhibited non-additive expression patterns, with over-dominant expression observed in 30.65 % of these genes. Pairwise comparisons among the transcriptomes of Ai, Ap, and Aip revealed 14,959 alternative splicing events, affecting 8169 genes. KEGG pathway analysis indicated substantial enrichment of overlapping genes from common DEGs and non-additively expressed genes (NAGs) in apoptosis, longevity regulation, ABC transporters, and spliceosome pathways. Furthermore, analysis of DEGs, DAGs (Differentially Alternative Splicing genes), and NAGs identified 6 genes undergoing alternative splicing. These pathways and genes may be crucial in Aip's response to low-temperature stress and offer insights for advancing scallop cross-breeding strategies.

Original languageEnglish
Article number101526
JournalComparative Biochemistry and Physiology - Part D: Genomics and Proteomics
Volume55
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2025
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Alternative splicing
  • Heterosis
  • Low-temperature stress
  • Non-additive expression
  • Scallop
  • Transcriptome

Cite this