Abstract:
We previously identified two vertebrate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) homologs,
ScPPARa and
ScPPARb, in
Sinonovacula constricta. Here, we investigated their regulatory roles in the biosynthesis of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs). Using bacteria expressing the respective dsRNA, we knocked down
ScPPARa and
ScPPARb transcription by about 50%. We analyzed the expression patterns of
fatty acyl desaturases (
Fads) and
elongases (
Elovls), along with fatty acid composition.
ScPPARa-knockdown significantly downregulated Δ5
Fadb, Δ6
Fad, and
Elovl4a but upregulated
Elovl2/5. This phenomenon suppressed arachidonic acid (ARA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels in the muscle. In contrast,
ScPPARb-knockdown reduced Δ5
Fadb,
Elovl4a, and
Elovlc, but increased the proportions of ARA, EPA, and DHA. Dual-luciferase assays combined with promoter truncation indicated that both
ScPPARs could regulate
Elovl2/5 and
Elovl4a/b, while
ScPPARb specifically modulated
Elovlc and Δ6
Fad. Notably, changes in the expression patterns of several
Fads and
Elovls following
ScPPARa or
ScPPARb knockdown—unconfirmed by dual-luciferase assays—may be influenced by other transcription factors, such as sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs), which regulate LC-PUFA biosynthesis. Such alterations in gene transcription levels could be related to changes in fatty acid composition induced by a disruption of the PPAR signaling pathways. Overall, these findings reveal distinct regulatory roles of
ScPPARa and
ScPPARb in LC-PUFA biosynthesis. This is the first such report addressing the regulatory roles of PPARs in LC-PUFA biosynthesis in marine mollusks, providing foundational insights for optimizing LC-PUFA production in bivalves.