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Nutrient storage dynamics in male Mytilus coruscus: interplay of glycogen, amino acids, fatty acids, and nutritional elements (C, N, P) during reproductive development

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 August 2025

Xiaofei Tian Open the ORCID record for Xiaofei Tian [Opens in a new window] ,
Lili Diao ,
Cheng Li  and
Xiumei Zhang
Xiaofei Tian
Affiliation:
Fishery College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
Lili Diao
Affiliation:
Fishery College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
Cheng Li
Affiliation:
Fishery College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
Xiumei Zhang*
Affiliation:
Fishery College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
*
Corresponding author: Xiumei Zhang; Email: xmzhang1227@163.com
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Abstract

This study investigates the accumulation of glycogen, amino acids, and fatty acids in male Mytilus coruscus during different stages of gonadal development and explores their relationships with reproductive processes. Glycogen levels were highest during the resting phase, decreasing progressively during the proliferation and maturation phases. A positive correlation was observed between glycogen and carbon content, indicating a close association between energy storage and metabolic processes. Amino acid content, particularly essential amino acids (EAAs), increased during gonadal development, reflecting the higher demand for protein synthesis and cellular metabolism. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) such as isoleucine, leucine, and lysine were key in activating protein synthesis and supporting gametogenesis. Non-essential amino acids like aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and glycine also accumulate, supporting cellular function and reproductive regulation. Fatty acids, especially unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), progressively accumulated in the testes, highlighting their role in energy supply and membrane integrity during gametogenesis. Phosphorus (P) accumulated in parallel with fatty acids, supporting DNA and RNA synthesis, energy metabolism, and cell membrane function. This study emphasizes the crucial role of these biochemical components in supporting gonadal development in male M. coruscus, providing insights into the metabolic pathways involved in marine bivalve reproduction.

Keywords

amino acidsaquaculturefatty acidsglycogengonadal developmentMytilus coruscusreproduction

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 105 , 2025 , e90
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom.

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