Comparison of gene expression of mantle tissue in Pinctada persica between warm and cold seasons

Regarding the significant effect of temperature on biomineralization process, the study of the seasonal changes impacts on the functions and patterns of gene expression in mantle tissue as an important organ responsible for biomineralization in pearl oysters, is necessary. In this study, the gene expression patterns of 9 biomineralization genes (ASP, KRMP, SHEM5, PRISM, PEARL, CHIT, PIF, MRNP34, NACREIN) were investigated in the mantle tissue of Pinctada persica between warm and cold seasons. The cDNA was constructed using reverse transcriptase enzyme and then the expression of genes were quantified in qPCR. The results showed difference in seasonal pattern. Three genes of prismatic layer (ASP, KRMP and SHEM5) had high expression in cold season and PIF which involved in nacre layer formation, showed high level of expression in warm season. It is likely, the biomineralization rate reduce in higher temperature and the prismatic related genes play more important role in response to seasonal changes. This study has provided valuable information about mantle tissue traits of P. persica and influence of environmental factors in molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of shell and pearl.