Piwil Is Essential For Gametogenesis In Mollusk Chlamys Farreri

Piwi (P-element induced wimpy testis) is an important gene involved in stem cell maintenance and gametogenesis in vertebrates. However, in most invertebrates, especially mollusks, the function of Piwi during gametogenesis remains largely unclear. To further understand the function of Piwi during gametogenesis, full-length cDNA of Piwil from scallop Chlamys farreri (Cf-Piwil) was characterized, which consisted of acid protein. 2,637 by open reading frame encoding an 878-amino acid protein. Cf-Piwil mRNA was mainly localized in the spermatogonia, spermatocytes, oogonia, oocytes of early development and intra-gonadal somatic cells. Additionally, the knockdown of Cf-Piwil by injection of Cf-Piwil-dsRNA (double-stranded RNA) into scallop adductor led to a loss of germ cells in C. farreri gonads. Apoptosis was observed mainly in spermatocytes and oocytes of early development, as well as in a small number of spermatogonia and oogonia. Our findings indicate that Cf-Piwil is essential for gametogenesis in the scallop C farreri.