Exploration of cell-cell interactions and the notch signaling pathway in the gonadal niche of Crassostrea gigas

Abstract

The Notch signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in governing cell fate determinations within the gonadal niche. This study provides an extensive elucidation of the male and female gonadal niches within Crassostrea gigas. Examination via transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of desmosome-like connection not only between germ cells and niche cells but also among adjacent niche cells within the oyster gonad. Transcriptomic analysis identified several putative Notch pathway components, including CgJAG1, CgNOTCH1, CgSuh, and CgHey1. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close evolutionary relationship between CgJAG1, CgNOTCH1, and CgHey1 and Notch members present in Drosophila. Expression profiling results indicated a notable abundance of CgHey1 in the gonads, while CgJAG1 and CgNOTCH1 displayed distinct expression patterns associated with sexual dimorphism. In situ hybridization findings corroborated the predominant expression of CgJAG1 in male niche cells, while CgNOTCH1 was expressed in both male and female germ cells, as well as female niche cells. These findings demonstrate the important role of the Notch signaling pathway in the gonadal niche of oysters.