Physiological and Gene Expression Responses of Crassostrea ariakensis to Salinity Stress

Strategic Insights -

Crassostrea ariakensis, an economically important bivalve, plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological functions and biodiversity in marine ecosystems. However, its physiological responses to salinity stress are not well understood, and research on this topic is scarce. To address this knowledge gap, researchers from Tianjin Agricultural University conducted a study to investigate the physiological responses and key gene alterations of C. ariakensis to frequent and substantial salinity variations in estuarine areas. The study employed a static water method to measure respiration, ammonia excretion, ingestion, and clearance rates under various salinity conditions, as well as RT-qPCR to detect gene expression changes in response to salinity stress. The results demonstrated that C. ariakensis exhibited an initial increase and subsequent decrease in respiration and ammonia excretion rates within a salinity range of 5-45, with peak values observed at a salinity of 35. Additionally, the study revealed significant effects of salinity stress on gene expression, particularly for the CarHsp70 gene, which was upregulated by 4.36-fold compared to the control group upon a 10-unit rise in salinity. This study provides valuable insights into the physiological and molecular responses of C. ariakensis to salinity stress and has significant implications for the sustainable development of the oyster farming industry and genetic improvement.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study demonstrated that Crassostrea ariakensis exhibited an initial increase and subsequent decrease in respiration and ammonia excretion rates within a salinity range of 5-45, with peak values observed at a salinity of 35.
  • The study revealed significant effects of salinity stress on gene expression, particularly for the CarHsp70 gene, which was upregulated by 4.36-fold compared to the control group upon a 10-unit rise in salinity.
  • The study found that the expressions of the CarHsp70, CarHyou1, and CarDANJC2 genes were detected using RT-qPCR, and the reaction system comprised 0.2 mL each of upstream and downstream primers, 1 mL of template cDNA, 5 mL of 2 x ChamQ SYBR Color qPCR Master Mix, and 3.6 mL of diethyl pyrocarbonate water.
  • The study demonstrated that the gills, adductor muscle, mantle tissue, and labial palps of C. ariakensis exhibited changes in expression levels of the three genes in response to salinity stress, particularly for the CarHsp70 gene.
  • The study concluded that the physiological and molecular responses of C. ariakensis to salinity stress are essential for the sustainable development of the oyster farming industry and genetic improvement.
  • The study highlighted the importance of further investigations into the adaptability of oysters to salinity changes, and the findings provide reference material for future studies.

Statistics:

  • The study found that the respiration and ammonia excretion rates of C. ariakensis initially increased and subsequently decreased within a salinity range of 5-45, with peak values observed at a salinity of 35.
  • The study revealed that the expressions of the CarHsp70, CarHyou1, and CarDANJC2 genes were upregulated by 4.36-, 3.58-, and 2.08-fold, respectively, compared to the control group upon a 10-unit rise in salinity.
  • The study found that the expressions of the CarHsp70, CarHyou1, and CarDANJC2 genes were downregulated by 3.62-, 2.97-, and 2.05-fold, respectively, compared to the control group upon a 10-unit drop in salinity.
  • The study demonstrated that the expressions of the CarHsp70, CarHyou1, and CarDANJC2 genes were upregulated by 7.13-, 4.68-, and 2.72-fold, respectively, compared to the control group upon a 20-unit rise in salinity.
  • The study found that the expressions of the CarHsp70, CarHyou1, and CarDANJC2 genes were upregulated by 5.92-, 6.04-, and 2.54-fold, respectively, compared to the control group upon a 20-unit drop in salinity.

Sources:

  • Physiological and Gene Expression Responses of Crassostrea ariakensis to Salinity Stress. Progress in Fishery Sciences, 2025,46(4):183-191. (Progress in Fishery Sciences - http://journal.yykxjz.cn/yykxjzen/ch/index.aspx).
  • NewsRx. Research Findings from Tianjin Agricultural University Update Understanding of Life Sciences (Physiological and Gene Expression Responses of Crassostrea ariakensis to Salinity Stress). Life Science Weekly. August 19, 2025; p 5374.