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 Piwi1 from scallop Chlamys farreri (Cf-Piwi1) was characterized, ...

Gametogenesis is a fundamental aspect of sexual reproduction in eukaryotes. In the unicellular fungi Saccharomyces cerevisiae (budding yeast) and Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast), where this developmental programme has been extensively studied, entry into gametogenesis requires the convergence of multiple signals on the promoter of a master regulator. Starvation signals and cellular ma...

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) has been shown to be involved in pubertal activation of gonadotropin (GTH) secretion. The aim of this study was to determine if IGF-I directly stimulates synthesis and release of GTH at an early stage of gametogenesis. The effects of IGF-I on expression of genes encoding glycoprotein alpha (GPalpha), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) beta, and luteinizing h...

Climate variability and the rapid warming of seas undoubtedly have huge ramifications for biological processes such as reproduction. As such, gametogenesis and spawning were investigated at two sites over 200 km apart on the south coast of Ireland in an ecosystem engineer, the common cockle, Cerastoderma edule. Both sites are classed as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), but are of different...

Non-specific phospholipase Cs (NPCs) are responsible for membrane lipid remodeling that involves hydrolysis of the polar head group phospholipids. Arabidopsis NPC2 and NPC6 essential in gametogenesis, but their underlying role remains elusive. Here, we show these NPCs required triacylglycerol (TAG) production pollen tube growth. highly expressed developing tubes localized at endoplasmic reticul...