| Title | In vivo RNA interference in oyster : vasa silencing inhibits germ cell development |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2009 |
| Authors | Fabioux, C, Corporeau, C, Quillien, V, Favrel, P, Huvet, A |
| Journal | FEBS Journal |
| Volume | 276 |
| Pagination | 2566–2573 |
| ISSN | 1742-4658 |
| Abstract | This study investigated the potential of RNA interference, which is technically challenging in bivalve mollusc species, to assess gene function in the oyster Crassostrea\Â\}\~{}gigas. We designed dsRNA targeting the oyster vasa-like gene (Oyvlg), specifically expressed in oyster germ cells. In\Â\}\~{}vivo injection of oyvl-dsRNA into the gonad provokes a knockdown phenotype corresponding to germ cell underproliferation and prematurely arrested meiosis througout the organ. The most severe phenotype observed is sterile. This knockdown phenotype is associated with a decrease in Oyvlg mRNA level of between 39% and 87%, and a strong reduction in OYVLG protein, to an undetectable level. Therefore, Oyvlg appears to be essential for germ cell development in Crassostrea\Â\}\~{}gigas, particularly for mitotic proliferation and early meiosis. Our results demonstrate for the first time that in\Â\}\~{}vivo RNA interference works efficiently in a bivalve species, opening major perspectives for functional genetic studies. |
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