Illumination enhances the protein abundance of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPases-like transporter in the ctenidium and whitish inner mantle of the giant clam, Tridacna squamosa, to augment exogenous Ca2+ uptake and shell formation, respectively

The fluted giant clam, Tridacna squamosa, can perform light-enhanced shell formation, aided by its symbiotic dinoflagellates (Symbiodinium, Cladocopium, Durusdinium), which are able to donate organic nutrients to the host. During light-enhanced shell formation, increased Ca2+ transport from the hemolymph through the shell-facing epithelium of the inner mantle to the extrapallial fluid, where calcification occurs, is necessary. Additionally, there must be increased absorption of exogenous Ca2+ from the surrounding seawater, across the epithelial cells of the ctenidium (gill) into the hemolymph, to supply sufficient Ca2+ for light-enhanced shell formation. When Ca2+ moves across these epithelial cells, the low intracellular Ca2+ concentration must be maintained. Sarco (endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) regulates the intracellular Ca2+ concentration by pumping Ca2+ into the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum (SR/ER) and Golgi apparatus. Indeed, the ctenidium and inner mantle of T. squamosa, expressed a homolog of SERCA (SERCA-like transporter) that consists of 3009 bp, encoding 1002 amino acids of 110.6 kDa. SERCA-like-immunolabeling was non-uniform in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells of ctenidial filaments, and that of the shell-facing epithelial cells of the inner mantle. Importantly, the protein abundance of SERCA-like increased significantly in the ctenidium and the inner mantle of T. squamosa after 12 h and 6 h, respectively, of light exposure. This would increase the capacity of pumping Ca2+ into the endoplasmic reticulum and avert a possible surge in the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in epithelial cells of the ctenidial filaments during light-enhanced Ca2+ absorption, and in cells of the shell-facing epithelium of the inner mantle during light-enhanced shell formation.

Automated summary

The fluted giant clam, Tridacna squamosa, can perform light-enhanced shell formation with the assistance of symbiotic dinoflagellates. This process involves increased Ca2+ transport, absorption of exogenous Ca2+, and regulation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration by SERCA. The expression of SERCA-like transporter in the ctenidium and inner mantle of T. squamosa plays a crucial role in light-enhanced shell formation.