Search Results (243)

Sharp declines in temperature pose a significant risk for mass mortality events in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). To assess the effects of acute cold stress on intestinal health, turtles were exposed to temperatures of 28 °C (control), 14 °C, and 7 °C for 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 days. The results showed that acute cold stress at 14 °C and 7 °C induced time-dependent alterations in intestinal morphology and histopathology. The damage was more severe at 7 °C, characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration, lymphoid hyperplasia, and extensive detachment and necrosis across the villi, muscle layer, and submucosa. 16S rDNA sequencing revealed significant shifts in intestinal microbiota composition in the 7 °C group, dominated by Helicobacter and Citrobacter. Transcriptomic analysis identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that respond to acute cold stress and are involved in the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway (Tlr2, Tlr4, Tlr5, Tlr7, and Tlr8), the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway (Traf6, Traf2, Casr, Rnasel, Pstpip1, Plcb2, Atg5, and Mfn2), apoptosis (Tuba1c, Ctsz, Ctsb, Kras, Hras, Pik3ca, Bcl2l11, Gadd45a, Pmaip1, Ddit3, and Fos), and the p53 signaling pathway (Serpine1, Sesn2, Ccng2, Igf1, Mdm2, Gadd45a, Pmaip1, and Cdkn1a). Metabolomic profiling highlighted differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) that cope with acute cold stress, such as organic acids (oxoglutaric acid, L-aspartic acid, fumaric acid, DL-malic acid, and citric acid) and amino acids (including L-lysine, L-homoserine, and allysine). The integrated analysis of DEGs and DEMs underscored three key pathways modulated by acute cold stress: linoleic acid metabolism, neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, and the FoxO signaling pathway. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of intestinal health in Chinese soft-shelled turtles under acute cold stress and elucidates the underlying mechanisms. Full article

Background: Non-syndromic cleft lip/palate (NCL/P) is a prevalent congenital anomaly. Despite an unclear epidemiological link between orofacial clefts and dental caries, genetic studies suggest that polymorphisms in taste receptor genes may influence caries risk. Objectives: This study had two primary objectives: (1) to compare SNPs in NCL/P-associated genes (IRF6, FOXE1) between Kuwaiti NCL/P cases and controls, and (2) to explore whether variants in caries-associated (KLK4, DSPP) and taste receptor (TAS1R2, TAS2R38) genes are associated with dental caries susceptibility in individuals with NCL/P, independent of overall caries prevalence. Methods: A case–control design was employed, with 25 NCL/P cases and 25 unaffected controls recruited from a Dental Craniofacial Clinic in Kuwait. Genomic DNA was extracted from buccal swabs, and SNP genotyping was performed using real-time PCR for genes related to NCL/P, dental caries, and taste perception. Caries status was assessed using the dmft/DMFT scoring system. The genotyped genes included NCL/P-related (IRF6, FOXE1), caries-related (KLK4, DSPP), and taste receptor genes (TAS1R2, TAS2R38). Results: At nominal significance, KLK4, DSPP, and TAS1R2 showed associations with NCL/P status, while IRF6 and FOXE1 did not. After applying Benjamini–Hochberg FDR correction across 10 SNPs, no allele- or genotype-level association remained significant (q < 0.05). The strongest signal was KLK4 rs2235091 (allele-level p = 0.016; q = 0.159). An exploratory age- and sex-adjusted logistic model for KLK4 suggested a possible effect (aOR 0.40; 95% CI 0.18–0.87; p = 0.021). Within-group analyses of caries burden revealed no associations that survived FDR control (lowest q = 0.056 for FOXE1 in controls). Conclusions: After controlling for multiple testing, no SNP showed a statistically significant association with NCL/P or caries burden. Nominal signals for KLK4, DSPP, and TAS1R2 did not survive FDR correction; an exploratory adjusted model suggested a possible KLK4 effect, but this requires cautious interpretation. The small sample size is a key limitation, and the findings highlight the need for larger, well-powered studies to clarify genetic contributions to NCL/P and caries risk. Full article

The agave wilt associated with Fusarium oxysporum (Fox) is a major disease of blue agave (Agave tequilana Weber var. azul), used to produce “Tequila” in Mexico. Little is known about the A. tequilana-F. oxysporum interaction yet understanding defense mechanisms against the pathogen is necessary for control strategies. During early Fox infection, plants trigger defense mechanisms to interrupt the compatible interaction, while Fox’s pathogenesis mechanism interacts with plant response. This study evaluated plant defense mechanisms induced by Fox in A. tequilana and their interaction with fungal pathogenesis. For this, an A. tequilana pathogenic strain (FPA), and the non-A. tequilana pathogenic strains FNPA and FOL were utilized. Early defense mechanisms evaluated were hypersensitive response (HR) and cell wall strengthening in agave roots. Resistance mechanisms evaluated included pathogenesis-related proteins (PR proteins), phytoanticipins and phytoalexins. For early defense, induced HR was greater with FPA than other strains. Cell wall strengthening was found in agave roots, plants responded differentially to different strains. Initial response to FPA and FOL was similar in PR proteins, phytoalexins and phytoanticipins production. However, the response differentiated with FOL over time, indicating an incompatible interaction. The study identified effective and ineffective defense responses of A. tequilana to Fox infection, where FPA exhibited compatibility and caused unregulated ROS and PCD, early inhibition of PR activity, extensive lignification, and saponin detoxification. In contrast, this study unveiled incompatible interactions (FNPA and FOL) because of limited colonization, localized HR with suppressed ROS, early and sustained POX activation, significant callose accumulation, moderate lignification, and phenol–saponin dynamics that help in tissue containment and recovery. Full article

Adrenomedullin (AM) is a regulatory peptide that stimulates proliferation, migration, and invasion of melanoma cells, and promotes neovascularization within the tumor microenvironment, making it a compelling therapeutic target in melanoma and other cancers. As a continuation of our previous study on a metastatic tumor model, here we tested an mRNA vaccine encoding a fusion antigen comprising keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and mouse AM in a subcutaneous melanoma mouse model. In vitro synthesized mRNA was encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and administered to C57BL/6J mice; empty LNPs served as negative controls. After a four-dose immunization schedule, B16-F10 melanoma cells were injected subcutaneously, followed by a fifth immunization. Mice were sacrificed once tumors reached humane endpoints. Immunization led to a significant increase in anti-AM IgG titers (p = 0.033) and CD8⁺ T cell (p = 0.049) numbers in treated mice. Tumor initiation was significantly delayed (p = 0.005) and subcutaneous tumor volume was reduced (p = 0.0004) compared to controls. A marked decrease in the area occupied by tumor blood vessels (p = 0.028) was also observed, with no signs of systemic toxicity or weight loss. In addition, there was no significant impairment of Ki67⁺ tumor cell proliferation nor changes in the tumor infiltration of CD4⁺, CD8⁺, FoxP3⁺ nor Arg1⁺ cells. The vaccine also proved highly stable at 4 °C, in the absence of cryoprotectants, for more than a month. In summary, we confirmed that a KLH-AM mRNA vaccine is very stable and can elicit humoral and cellular immune responses, inhibit angiogenesis, and delay tumor growth in subcutaneous melanoma, without inducing an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), further supporting mRNA vaccines targeting AM as an attractive immunotherapeutic approach. Full article

Rabies is endemic in Kazakhstan, with the primary reservoirs being wild canids, such as foxes and dogs, maintaining distinct sylvatic and urban cycles. This paper outlines three high-return priorities for rabies control in the country, informed by the epidemiological patterns of the disease, the national regulatory framework (Order No. 7-1/587), and evidence on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the Kazakh population. The three priorities are (a) transition into a One Health, real-time surveillance system featuring standardized digital reporting and GIS-guided interventions; (b) implementation of biannual oral rabies vaccination (ORV) of foxes in high-risk districts, incorporating mandatory quality assurance (via tetracycline biomarkers and/or serology) aligned with EU/EFSA standards; and (c) adopt an urban strategy focused on dogs to increase vaccination coverage and reduce delays in human post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). These measures align with the WOAH Terrestrial Code and the “Zero by 30” roadmap, leveraging existing national assets like risk maps and laboratory capacity, such as dFAT, RT-PCR, and sequencing. Kazakhstan’s predictable rabies pattern allows for targeting district-level strategies and transparent measurement of risk reduction, contingent on enforcing standardized reporting and rigorous quality assurance programs. The opinions introduced in this paper are based on the scientific evidence collected in Kazakhstan over the last decade and summarize the need for urgent actions to promote rabies control in the country. Full article

Pediatric type 1 diabetes (T1D) disrupts musculoskeletal development during critical windows of growth, puberty, and peak bone mass accrual. Beyond classic micro- and macrovascular complications, accumulating evidence shows a dual burden of diabetic bone disease—reduced bone mineral density, microarchitectural deterioration, and higher fracture risk—and diabetic myopathy, characterized by loss of muscle mass, diminished strength, and metabolic dysfunction. Mechanistically, chronic hyperglycemia, absolute or functional insulin deficiency, and glycemic variability converge to suppress PI3K–AKT–mTOR signaling, activate FoxO-driven atrogenes (atrogin-1, MuRF1), and impair satellite-cell biology; advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and RAGE signaling stiffen extracellular matrix and promote low-grade inflammation (IL-6, TNF-α/IKK/NF-κB), while oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction further compromise the bone–muscle unit. In vitro, ex vivo, and human studies consistently link these pathways to lower BMD and trabecular/cortical quality, reduced muscle performance, and increased fractures—associations magnified by poor metabolic control and longer disease duration. Prevention prioritizes tight, stable glycemia, daily physical activity with weight-bearing and progressive resistance training, and optimized nutrition (adequate protein, calcium, vitamin D). Treatment is individualized: supervised exercise-based rehabilitation (including neuromuscular and flexibility training) is the cornerstone of skeletal muscle health. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms underlying the impact of type 1 diabetes on musculoskeletal system. It critically appraises evidence from in vitro studies, animal models, and clinical research in children, it also explores the effects of prevention and treatment. Full article

People with HIV (PWH) are at an increased risk for AIDS-associated non-Hodgkin lymphoma (AIDS-NHL); however, the immune signatures underlying this risk are not well understood. In this study, we utilized mass cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF) to analyze T-cells and monocytes in the PBMCs of treatment-naïve PWH, including those 3 to 36 months before an AIDS-NHL diagnosis (HIV-positive pre-NHL), as well as people without HIV (PWoH). Mass cytometry is an advanced single-cell analysis platform that combines flow cytometry principles with mass spectrometry. Unlike conventional flow cytometry, this technology employs antibodies conjugated to unique metal isotopes instead of fluorescent markers, enabling simultaneous measurement of over 40 distinct cellular markers per individual cell without spectral overlap limitations. Participants were enrolled at the Los Angeles site of the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study (MWCCS). Unsupervised clustering and Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) analysis identified CD3⁺ T-cell and CD14⁺ monocyte metaclusters, and Spearman’s rank correlation assessed their relationships with B-cell subsets exhibiting aberrant phenotypes. We observed elevated levels of CD8⁺CD20⁺ T-cells, CD8⁺CD14⁺ T-cells, and M2-like CD14⁺CD163⁺ monocytes in HIV-positive pre-NHL individuals compared to HIV-negative controls. Positive correlations were found between CD19⁺ AICDA⁺ cMYC⁺ B-cells and M1-like CD14⁺cMYC⁺ monocytes (metacluster, MC02), and between metaclusters of CD8⁺PD-1⁺CD27⁺CXCR4⁻ T-cells (MC05) and CD4⁺FoxP3⁺PD-1⁺CD27⁺CD28⁺CXCR4⁻ ICOS⁺ T-cells (MC08). In addition, a different CD19⁺ B-cell metacluster (FoxP3⁺AICDA⁺cMYC⁺) was positively associated with a metacluster of CD8⁺PD-1⁺CD27⁺CD28⁺CXCR4⁺ T-cells (MC03). Moreover, the metacluster of CD8⁺PD-1⁺CD27⁺CXCR4⁻ T-cells (MC05) negatively correlated with M2-like CD14⁺CD163⁺ monocytes (MC06), while CD8⁺CD14⁺ T-cells positively correlated with AICDA⁺ Bregs and IL-10⁺ B-regs in HIV-positive pre-NHL individuals. Unsupervised analysis revealed increased frequencies of CD8⁺CD20⁺ T-cells in HIV-positive individuals compared to HIV-negative controls. These immune alterations provide valuable insights into potential biomarkers for early detection, monitoring, and therapeutic strategies for AIDS-NHL. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), including preeclampsia (PE), remains a significant cause of maternal and fetal morbidity. Immune imbalance involving T helper (Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells is increasingly recognized as contributing to the pathogenesis of PIH. This study aimed to assess the proportions of Th17 and Treg cells and intracellular cytokine expression (IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22) in the peripheral blood of hypertensive versus normotensive pregnant women. Methods: A total of 108 pregnant women were included: 60 with hypertensive disorders and 48 normotensive controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analyzed using multiparametric flow cytometry to quantify CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg and CD4+IL-17A+ Th17 cells, along with intracellular IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22 co-expression. Correlations with clinical and obstetric parameters were evaluated. Results: Hypertensive patients showed significantly increased proportions of activated Th17 cells (CD4+IL-17A+) and Th17 subpopulations co-expressing IL-17F and IL-22, as well as IL-21 and IL-22 (p < 0.0001). Although Treg cell percentages were lower in the hypertensive group, the difference was not statistically significant. A pronounced Th17/Treg imbalance was observed. Positive correlations were found between Th17 subpopulations and gestational age, birth weight, and length, as well as maternal age. Conclusions: The immune profile in hypertensive pregnancies was characterized by a shift toward Th17-mediated proinflammatory responses, supporting the role of immune dysregulation in PIH. The increased frequency of Th17 cells co-expressing IL-21 and IL-22 may serve as a potential biomarker of disease severity and warrants further exploration. Full article

Although extracellular vesicles (EVs) from mesenchymal stem cells have shown potential in skin wound repair, the diversity of EV sources and the optimization of delivery systems still need further exploration. This study is the first to demonstrate that extracellular vesicles from chemically induced mammary epithelial cells (CiMECs-EVs) possess distinct skin wound repair activity. To enhance the therapeutic efficacy of CiMECs-EVs and optimize their delivery efficiency, we innovatively combined them with a chitosan hydrogel to construct a composite repair system (CiMECs-EVs-chitosan hydrogel, CMECG). This system was then applied to a rat skin wound model. The results showed that CMECG significantly promoted the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and mammary epithelial cells (MECs). In animal experiments, the relative wound closure efficiency of the control group was approximately 70% on day 14, while that of the CMECG group (loaded with 200 μg CiMECs-Exo) was enhanced to 90%, markedly accelerating the wound healing process. Histological analysis indicated that this system could effectively restore the structural continuity of various skin layers and significantly promote the synthesis and remodeling of collagen at the wound site. Mechanistically, the wound healing effect of CiMECs-EVs is closely associated with the endogenous miRNAs they encapsulate. These miRNAs can coordinately regulate cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, modulate the inflammatory microenvironment, and inhibit excessive scar formation—thus regulating the entire repair process. This process involves multiple wound healing-related signaling pathways, including MAPK, PI3K-Akt, FoxO, TGF-β, and JAK-STAT. In summary, this study successfully constructed a novel EV-chitosan hydrogel repair system. This system is expected to provide an effective and innovative EV-based therapeutic strategy for the clinical treatment of skin wound repair. Full article

Historically, predator control has been a frequent practice conducted in the hunting grounds of Spain. After the approval of Law 42/2007 on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity, and the enforcement of international regulations, predator control methods are required to be selective, non-massive, and conducted by trained specialists when traps are used; however, there is a lack of research on the current status of predator management. Data was gathered from 16 regional wildlife departments and from 373 questionnaires from hunting grounds targeting the conservation of small game species. Seven predatory species were included in the regional game species lists, the most frequently controlled being the red fox (Vulpes vulpes, 90.4%), wild boar (Sus scrofa, 78.3%), and Eurasian magpie (Pica pica, 51.5%), with control intensity differing among regions. In total, 87% of the questionnaire respondents declared controlling at least one predator species, while 49.3% employed gamekeepers to perform the control. In all surveyed regions, shooting was authorized, and it was the most frequent control method in hunting grounds for the aforementioned species (ranging from 76 to 100%), while the use of approved restraint methods was allowed in 11 regions but only used in 7 for foxes (8%) and magpies (25%). The control intensity (animals culled/km²) for foxes was higher when conducted by full-time keepers, while for magpies and wild boars, it was higher when conducted by hunters. The implementation of habitat management (agricultural and forest measures) that helps to reduce predation was higher in hunting grounds not conducting predator control. Based on our results, we propose a national predation management framework focused on controlling rather than removing predators. Full article

Background: Metabolic flexibility, the ability to efficiently switch between fuel sources in response to changing nutrient availability and energy demands, is recognized as a key determinant of metabolic health. In a recent randomized controlled human feeding trial, overweight individuals receiving American black elderberry juice (EBJ) demonstrated improvements in multiple clinical indices of metabolic flexibility, but the mechanisms of action were unexplored. The objective of this study was to utilize RNA sequencing to examine how EBJ modulates the transcriptional response to fasting and feeding, focusing on pathways related to metabolic flexibility. Methods: Overweight or obese adults (BMI > 25 kg/m²) without chronic illnesses were randomized to a 5-week crossover study protocol with two 1-week periods of twice-daily EBJ or placebo (PL) separated by a washout period. RNA sequencing was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 10 participants to assess transcriptomic responses collected at fasting (pre-meal) and postprandial (120 min post-meal) states during a meal-challenge test. Results: The fasted-to-fed transition for EBJ showed 234 differentially expressed genes following EBJ consumption compared to 59 genes following PL, with 44 genes shared between interventions. EBJ supplementation showed significantly higher enrichment of several metabolic pathways including insulin, FoxO, and PI3K–Akt signaling. KEGG pathway analysis showed 27 significant pathways related to metabolic flexibility compared to 7 for PL. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that short-term elderberry juice consumption may promote metabolic flexibility in overweight adults. Full article

In this study, we propose an architectural model for path optimization in cluster order picking within warehouse robotics, utilizing a hybrid approach that combines symbolic control and metaheuristic techniques. Among the optimization strategies, we incorporate bio-inspired metaheuristic algorithms such as the Walrus Optimization Algorithm (WOA), Puma Optimization Algorithm (POA), and Flying Foxes Algorithm (FFA), which are grounded in behavioral models observed in nature. We consider large-scale warehouse robotic systems, partitioned into clusters. To manage shared resources between clusters, the set of clusters is first formulated as a symbolic control design task within a discrete synthesis framework. Subsequently, the desired control goals are integrated into the model, encoded using parallel synchronous dataflow languages; the resulting controller, derived using our safety-focused and optimization-based synthesis approach, serves as the manager for the cluster. Safety objectives address the rigid system behaviors, while optimization objectives focus on minimizing the traveled path of the warehouse robots through the constructed cost function. The metaheuristic algorithms contribute at this stage, drawing inspiration from real-world animal behaviors, such as walruses’ cooperative movement and foraging, pumas’ territorial hunting strategies, and flying foxes’ echolocation-based navigation. These nature-inspired processes allow for effective solution space exploration and contribute to improving the quality of cluster-level path optimization. Our hybrid approach, integrating symbolic control and metaheuristic techniques, demonstrates significantly higher performance advantage over existing solutions, with experimental data verifying the practical effectiveness of our approach. Our proposed algorithm achieves up to 3.01% shorter intra-cluster paths compared to the metaheuristic algorithms, with an average improvement of 1.2%. For the entire warehouse, it provides up to 2.05% shorter paths on average, and even in the worst case, outperforms competing metaheuristic methods by 0.28%, demonstrating its consistent effectiveness in path optimization. Full article

Background/Objectives: Some marine plants and algae are known to exert health benefits. However, the long-term effects and underlying mechanisms of these health benefits are still poorly understood. For this reason, we have investigated an extract from the marsh samphire Salicornia europaea for its life-prolonging potential. Methods: We investigated the effect of an aqueous extract of Salicornia europaea (SEE) on the lifespan of several wild-type strains of Drosophila. In addition, we used deficient flies to elucidate the mechanism of the life-prolonging effects. Finally, we comprehensively phenotyped the treated animals. Results: Supplementing a standard diet with SEE extended the lifespan of different Drosophila laboratory strains by up to a third (37% in w¹¹¹⁸ and 19% in yw). A total of 0.05% of SEE were ineffective, whereas 0.2% induced robust lifespan prolongation. This effect was strictly sex-specific, as the SEE application was completely ineffective in males, while prolonging life in females. We found that the body fat content of SEE-treated female flies was lower compared to controls. The extract also positively impacted the lifespan of flies fed a high-fat diet but not a high-sugar diet. SEE exhibited a lipase-inhibitory activity in vitro. Moreover, SEE counteracted aging-associated loss of intestinal barrier integrity. The sex-specific lifespan extensions induced by the SEE entirely depended on functional Tor signaling in the flies. Tissue-specific silencing of the Tor signaling pathway in different cellular compartments of the intestine reduced, but did not altogether abolish, the lifespan-prolonging effect in females. Conclusions: SEE is a promising candidate for a health-promoting intervention, as it induces lifespan-prolonging and anti-obesogenic effects in a sex-specific manner. These effects depend on functional Tor and partially on FoxO signaling. Future studies should identify the active compounds in the extract. Full article

In recent years, the integration of flexible resources into active distribution networks (ADNs) has been significantly enhanced. By coordinating a variety of such resources, the economic efficiency, operational security, and overall stability of ADNs can be improved. In this study, a bi-level planning model is proposed for active distribution networks. The upper-level model aims to minimize the annual comprehensive cost, while the lower-level model focuses on reducing network losses. To solve the upper-level problem, a hybrid whale optimization algorithm (HWOA) is developed. The algorithm integrates adaptive mutation based on Gaussian–Cauchy distributions, a nonlinear cosine-based control strategy, and a dual-population co-evolution mechanism. These enhancements allow HWOA to achieve faster convergence, higher accuracy, and stronger global search capabilities, thereby reducing the risk of falling into local optima. The lower-level problem is addressed using the interior point method due to its nonlinear and continuous nature. The proposed model and algorithm are validated through simulations on the IEEE 33-bus system. The results show that DG consumption increases by 88.77 MWh, network losses decrease by 6.8 MWh, and the total system cost is reduced by CNY 3.62 million over the entire project lifecycle. These improvements contribute to both the economic and operational performance of the ADN. Compared with the polar fox optimization algorithm (PFA), HWOA improves algorithmic efficiency by 18.92%, lowers network loss costs by 6.22%, and reduces the total system costs by 0.71%, demonstrating its superior effectiveness in solving complex bi-level optimization problems in active distribution networks. These findings not only demonstrate the technical efficiency of the proposed method but also contribute to the long-term goals of sustainable energy systems by improving renewable energy utilization, reducing operational losses, and supporting carbon reduction targets in active distribution networks. Full article

FOXL2 (forkhead box protein L2) is a transcription factor, its function and regulatory mechanism have been mainly studied in mammals; related research on marine invertebrates is still insufficient. It was found that oogenesis was affected, and even a small number of cells resembling spermatogonial morphology appeared in C. farreri ovaries after the FOXL2 was knocked down through RNA interference (RNAi) technology in our laboratory previously. Based on previous research, this paper conducted transcriptome sequencing and differential expression analysis on the ovarian tissues between the experimental group (post-RNAi) and the control group (pre-RNAi) of C. farreri, and used recombinant C. farreri FOXL2 protein for antibody production in Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing (ChIP seq) experiments to comprehensively analyze the pathways and key genes regulated by FOXL2 during oogenesis. The results showed that in the RNAi experimental group, 389 genes were upregulated, and 1615 genes were downregulated. Among the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), the differential genes related to gender or gonadal development are relatively concentrated in physiological processes such as steroid hormone synthesis, spermatogenesis, gonadal development, and ovarian function maintenance, as well as the FoxO and estrogen signaling pathways. Combining transcriptome and ChIP-seq data, it was found that there were some genes related to sex gonadal development among genes which were directly regulated by FOXL2, such as Wnt4, SIRT1, HSD17B8, GABABR1, KRAS, NOTCH1, HSD11B1, cPLA2, ADCY9, IP3R1, PLCB4, and Wnt1. This study lays the foundation for a deeper understanding of the FOXL2′s specific regulatory mechanism during oogenesis in scallops as a transcription factor. Full article