Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the developmental program in Yesso scallop Patinopecten yessoensis

Yesso scallop Patinopecten yessoensis is an economically and ecologically important cold-water bivalve mollusk. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms regulating its early larval development holds great significance. This study performed comparative transcriptomics across nine successive developmental stages from fertilized eggs to juvenile spat. Extensive transcriptional remodeling was uncovered between consecutive phases. Numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were implicated in biological processes vital for larval maturation, including cell proliferation, immunity, muscle and neuronal development, shell formation as well as energy metabolism. An integrative framework was established delineating molecular drivers of embryogenesis, larval growth, immune defense, metamorphosis, shell production and bioenergetics throughout early ontogeny. These findings provide novel insights enlightening the gene regulatory networks directing scallop development, benefiting aquaculture and ecology research.