ChIP-seq Analysis of Gonadal Tissue in Chlamys farreri

FTZ-F1 (Fushi tarazu factor-1) is an essential member of the monomeric orphan nuclear receptor family, playing a pivotal role in steroidogenesis and reproductive development. However, research on FTZ-F1's function and its target genes in bivalve mollusks remains scarce. In this study, we identified two FTZ-F1 family members in Chlamys farreri, designated as Cf FTZ-F1 and Cf FTZ-F1b, through genome-wide data analysis. Subsequently, we performed in-depth analyses of the sequence characteristics, evolutionary relationships, and protein structures of Cf FTZ-F1. To further investigate its potential functions, we systematically identified Cf FTZ-F1's target genes using chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq), revealing 22,570 binding peaks. Motif analysis identified three motifs that closely match the known binding characteristics of FTZ-F1. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses indicated that the target genes associated with these motifs are primarily involved in phospholipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt. ChIP-qPCR further validated the binding sites of several target genes. This study provides novel insights into the potential regulatory roles of FTZ-F1 in C. farreri and establishes a foundation for future research on its involvement in steroidogenesis and reproductive development.