Ruditapes philippinarum Raw sequence reads
In the marine environment, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) often coexist as complex mixtures and exert multiple adverse effects on the growth, development, and reproduction of aquatic organisms. However, current research on the toxic mechanisms of PAHs in aquatic invertebrates remains relatively limited. Ruditapes philippinarum (Philippine clam) is an economically important bivalve in China, widely distributed in intertidal mudflats. Owing to its euryhaline and eurythermal characteristics as well as its typical burrowing and filter-feeding lifestyle, it is frequently used as a bioindicator for marine pollution. As the core tissue responsible for reproductive function, its gonads can directly reflect the interference of pollutants on reproductive endocrine systems and reproductive performance. Therefore, this study uses three typical PAHs (e.g., phenanthrene, chrysene, and benzo[a]pyrene) as representatives, combining transcriptomic analysis and experimental validation to elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying PAH-induced reproductive endocrine disruption and gonadal damage in Ruditapes philippinarum. The findings aim to provide a theoretical basis for the resource protection and healthy aquaculture of economically important bivalves such as Ruditapes philippinarum, as well as potential biomarkers and scientific support for the ecological risk assessment of marine pollution and the safety supervision of aquatic products.