Investigating the Genetic Bases of Growth Regulation by E2F3 in Dwarf Surf Clams Mulinia lateralis

Bivalve aquaculture plays a crucial role in the aquaculture industry due to the economic value of many bivalve species. Understanding the underlying genetic basis of bivalve growth regulation is essential for enhancing germplasm innovation and ensuring sustainable development of the industry. Though numerous candidate genes have been identified, their functional validation remains challenging. Fortunately, the dwarf surf clam ( Mulinia lateralis ) serves as a promising model organism for investigating genetic mechanisms underlying growth regulation in bivalves. The GWAS study in the Yesso scallop ( Patinopecten yessoensis ) has pinpointed the E2F3 gene as a key regulator of growth-related traits. However, the specific role of E2F3 in bivalve growth remains unclear. This study aimed to further confirm the regulatory function of the E2F3 gene in the dwarf surf clam through RNA interference experiments. Our results revealed several genes are associated with individual growth and development, including CTS7, HSP70B2 , and PGLYRP3 , as well as genes involved in lipid metabolism such as FABP2 and FASN . Functional enrichment analysis indicated that E2F3 primarily modulates critical processes like amino acid and lipid metabolism. These findings suggest that E2F3 likely regulates growth in the dwarf surf clam by influencing amino acid and lipid metabolism. Overall, this study advances our understanding on the function of E2F3 gene in growth regulation in bivalves, providing valuable insights for future research in this field.