Abstract：
The estrogen receptor (ER), a ligand-dependent transcription factor, is critical for vertebrate reproduction. However, its role in bivalves is not well understood, with ongoing debates regarding its function in regulating reproduction similarly to vertebrates. To investigate ER\'s function, we conducted a 21-day RNA interference experiment focusing on its role in gonadal development in bivalves. Histological analyses revealed that ER inhibition significantly suppressed ovarian development in females and, conversely, promoted gonadal development in males. Additionally, levels of 17β-estrogen (E2) were markedly reduced in the gonads of both sexes following ER suppression. Transcriptomic analysis from RNA-seq of testes and ovaries after ER interference showed changes in the expression of key genes such as Vtg, CYP17, 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD. These genes are involved in the estrogen signaling pathway and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Furthermore, ER suppression significantly affected the expression of genes linked to gametogenesis and the reproductive cycle. Our findings highlight ER\'s crucial, yet complex and sex-specific roles in gonadal development in bivalves, emphasizing the need for further detailed studies.
摘要：
雌激素受体（ER），配体依赖性转录因子，对脊椎动物的繁殖至关重要。然而,它在双壳类动物中的作用还没有得到很好的理解，关于其在调节繁殖方面的功能与脊椎动物相似的争论正在进行。要调查ER\的功能，我们进行了为期21天的RNA干扰实验,重点研究其在双壳类动物性腺发育中的作用.组织学分析显示，ER抑制显着抑制女性的卵巢发育，相反,促进男性性腺发育。此外,ER抑制后，男女性腺中17β-雌激素（E2）的水平均显着降低。从ER干扰后的睾丸和卵巢的RNA-seq转录组分析显示关键基因如Vtg的表达发生变化,CYP17,3β-HSD,和17β-HSD。这些基因参与雌激素信号通路和类固醇激素生物合成。此外，ER抑制显着影响与配子发生和生殖周期相关的基因的表达。我们的发现强调了急诊室的重要性，然而，在双壳类动物性腺发育中复杂和性别特异性的作用，强调需要进一步详细研究。
