Identification of sex-linked markers and genes in Portuguese oyster (Magallana angulata)
The Portuguese oyster (Magallana angulata) is a valuable aquaculture species with sexual dimorphism in growth and nutritional traits, making it a promising candidate for sex-controlled breeding. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying its sex determination remain poorly understood. This study rep...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Marine Science |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2025.1542815/full |
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| Summary: | The Portuguese oyster (Magallana angulata) is a valuable aquaculture species with sexual dimorphism in growth and nutritional traits, making it a promising candidate for sex-controlled breeding. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying its sex determination remain poorly understood. This study represents the first population-level investigation to identify sex-linked genetic markers and candidate genes in M. angulata using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and transcriptomic analysis. A total of 1,613 sex-associated SNPs were identified, primarily located on Chr. 9 (7.99 Mb–10.51Mb). SNP annotation revealed 57 genes around these sex-associated SNPs. Transcriptomic analysis identified 8,635 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between male and female gonads, of which 12 overlapped with GWAS-identified genes. Among these, four genes (5-HTR, ADPKD1-a, SCP, and SLC28A3) exhibited strong sex-specific genetic differentiation, with 5-HTR showing the most pronounced association. Further population genetic analysis revealed higher genetic diversity and heterozygosity of 5-HTR in males. Six sex-associated haplotypes based on SNPs within 5-HTR were constructed and validated in an independent population, although with reduced significance, suggesting both continuity and variation in sex determination mechanisms across populations. These findings provide a critical foundation for understanding the genetic basis of sex determination and advancing sex-controlled breeding strategies in M. angulata. |
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| ISSN: | 2296-7745 |