Developmental Processes Research Articles

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the SET domain-containing gene family in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Genes containing the SET domain can catalyse histone lysine methylation, which in turn has the potential to cause changes to chromatin structure and regulation of the transcription of genes involved in diverse physiological and developmental processes. However, the functions of SET domain-containing (StSET) genes in potato still need to be studied. The objectives of our study can be summarized as in silico analysis to (i) identify StSET genes in the potato genome, (ii) systematically analyse gene structure, chromosomal distribution, gene duplication events, promoter sequences, and protein domains, (iii) perform phylogenetic analyses, (iv) compare the SET domain-containing genes of potato with other plant species with respect to protein domains and orthologous relationships, (v) analyse tissue-specific expression, and (vi) study the expression of StSET genes in response to drought and heat stresses. In this study, we identified 57 StSET genes in the potato genome, and the genes were physically mapped onto eleven chromosomes. The phylogenetic analysis grouped these StSET genes into six clades. We found that tandem duplication through sub-functionalisation has contributed only marginally to the expansion of the StSET gene family. The protein domain TDBD (PFAM ID: PF16135) was detected in StSET genes of potato while it was absent in all other previously studied species. This study described three pollen-specific StSET genes in the potato genome. Expression analysis of four StSET genes under heat and drought in three potato clones revealed that these genes might have non-overlapping roles under different abiotic stress conditions and durations. The present study provides a comprehensive analysis of StSET genes in potatoes, and it serves as a basis for further functional characterisation of StSET genes towards understanding their underpinning biological mechanisms in conferring stress tolerance.

Implementasi Kebijakan Pemerintah Desa dalam Pencegahan dan Penanggulangan Stunting di Desa Gondosuli, Solo, Jawa Tengah

Implementasi Kebijakan Pemerintah Desa dalam Pencegahan dan Penanggulangan Stunting di Desa Gondosuli, Solo, Jawa Tengah

Supporting the mental health of young people from ethnically diverse groups during the transition from primary to secondary school

Background: The transition from primary to secondary school is a pivotal period in young people’s lives and can significantly impact their mental health. However, the experiences of young people from ethnically diverse groups during this crucial period of physical, social and emotional development are under-researched, limiting the evidence base for meaningful support. Objectives: This study explored the experiences of young people from ethnically diverse groups during primary-secondary school transition and co-designed ideas for culturally sensitive support. It explicitly focused on the intersection between ethnic and cultural identity, primary-secondary transition and mental health. Methods: The study employed participatory design to collaborate with seven young people from ethnically diverse groups and a peer researcher. Four online workshops mapped participant experiences and ideas concerning the primary-secondary transition, identity and mental health. These were developed into implications for practice, policy and research. Results: Participants highlighted feeling unprepared for the transition, with some experiencing poor mental health and difficulty navigating their ethnic and cultural identity during this time. Participants’ ideas for future transition experiences included: supporting a longer transition period, schools promoting diversity among students and staff, enabling education on ethnicity and culture, breaking stereotypes, enabling mutual learning among staff and students and enabling an open and caring environment to support mental health. Conclusions: The study provides an in-depth understanding of experiences of young people from ethnically diverse groups during primary-secondary transition and suggests ways of supporting multi-faceted transitions and mental health, with a key focus on ethnic and cultural identity formation.

Senolytics and cell senescence: historical and evolutionary perspectives.

Senolytics are a new class of anti-aging drugs developed to selectively kill 'senescent' cells that are considered harmful in normal aging. More than 20 drug trials are ongoing with diverse 'senolytic cocktails'. This commentary on recent reviews of senolytics gives a historical context of mammalian cell senescence that enabled these new drugs. While cell senescence is considered harmful to aging tissues, many studies show its essential role in some regenerative and developmental processes for which senolytic drugs may interfere. Longer-term studies of side effects are needed before senolytics are considered for general clinical practice. The wide occurrence of cell senescence in eukaryotes, yeast to fish to humans, and suggests an ancient eukaryotic process that evolved multiple phenotypes.

Paedomorphosis and retention of juvenile diet lead speciation in a group of Neotropical snakes (Colubroides-Philodryadini)

Dipsadidae is one of the largest clades of extant reptiles, showing an impressive morphological and ecological diversity. Despite this fact, the developmental processes behind its diversity are still largely unknown. In this study, we used 3D reconstructions based on micro-CT data and geometric morphometrics to evaluate the skull morphology of Philodryas agassizii, a small, surface-dwelling dipsadid that consume spiders. Adult individuals of P. agassizii exhibit a cranial morphology frequently observed in juveniles of other surface-dwelling colubroideans, represented in our analysis by its close relative Philodryas patagoniensis. Large orbits, gibbous neurocranial roof and a relatively short jaw complex are features present in juveniles of the latter species. Furthermore, we performed an extensive survey about diet of P. patagoniensis in which we detected an ontogenetic dietary shift, indicating that arthropods are more frequently consumed by juveniles of this dietary generalist. Thus, we infer that P. agassizzii retained not only the ancestral juvenile skull morphology but also dietary preferences. This study reveals that morphological changes driven by heterochronic changes, specifically paedomorphosis, influenced the retention of ancestral life history traits in P. agassizii, and therefore promoted cladogenesis. In this way, we obtained first evidence that heterochronic processes lead speciation in the snake megadiverse clade Dipsadidae.

More Than Meets The Eye: Knowns And Unknowns Of The Trafficking Of Small Secreted Proteins In Arabidopsis.

Small proteins represent a significant portion of the cargo transported through plant secretory pathways, playing crucial roles in developmental processes, fertilization, and responses to environmental stresses. Despite their importance, substantial knowledge gaps persist regarding the regulatory mechanisms governing their trafficking along the secretory pathway, and ultimate localization/destination. To address these gaps, we conducted a comprehensive literature review, focusing particularly on trafficking and localization of small secreted proteins with potential biochemical and/or signaling roles in the extracellular space, typically within the size range of 101-200 amino acids. Our investigation reveals that while at least 6 members of the 21 mentioned families confirm extracellular localization, 8 of them exhibit intracellular localization (including cytoplasmic, nuclear, and chloroplastic locations, despite the presence of N-terminal signal peptides). Further investigation into the trafficking and secretion mechanisms of small protein cargo could not only deepen our understanding of plant cell biology and physiology but also provide a foundation for manipulation strategies leading to more efficient plant cultivation.

Drosophila Nhe2 Over-expression Induces Autophagic Cell Death.

Autophagy is a conserved catabolic process where double membrane-bound structures form around macromolecules or organelles targeted for degradation. Autophagosomes fuse with lysosomes to facilitate degradation and macromolecule recycling for homeostasis or growth in a cell autonomous fashion. In cancer cells, autophagy is often upregulated and helps cancer cells survive nutrient deprivation and stressful growth conditions. Here, we propose that the increased intracellular pH (pHi) common to cancer cells is sufficient to induce autophagic cell death. We previously developed tools to increase pHi in the Drosophila eye via over-expression of DNhe2, resulting in aberrant patterning and reduced tissue size. We examined fly eyes at earlier stages of development and found fewer interommatidial cells. We next tested whether this decrease in cell number was due to increased cell death. We found that the DNhe2-induced cell death was caspase-independent, which is inconsistent with apoptosis. However, this cell death required autophagy genes, which supports autophagy as the mode of cell death. We also found that expression of molecular markers supports increased autophagy. Together, our findings suggest new roles for ion transport proteins in regulating conserved, critical developmental processes and provide evidence for new paradigms in growth control.

Whole transcriptome RNA sequencing provides novel insights into the molecular dynamics of ovarian development in mud crab, Scylla paramamosain after mating

Ovarian development in animals is a complicated biological process, requiring the simultaneous coordination among various genes and pathways. To understand the dynamic changes and molecular regulatory mechanisms of ovarian development in mud crab (Scylla paramamosain), both histological observation and whole transcriptome sequencing of ovarian tissues at different mating stages were implemented in this study. The histological results revealed that ovarian development was delayed in unmated females (60 days after courtship behavior but not mating), who exhibited an oocyte diameter of 56.38 ± 15.17 μm. Conversely, mated females exhibited accelerated the ovarian maturation process, with females reaching ovarian stage III (proliferative stage) 23 days after mating and attained an average oocyte diameter of 132.19 ± 15.07 μm. Thus, mating process is essential in promoting the rapid ovarian development in mud crab. Based on the whole transcriptome sequencing analysis, a total of 518 mRNAs, 1502 lncRNAs, 18 circRNAs and 151 miRNAs were identified to be differentially expressed between ovarian tissues at different mating stages. Notably, six differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with ovarian development were identified, including ovary development-related protein, red pigment concentrating hormone receptor, G2/mitotic-specific cyclin-B3-like, lutropin-chorio gonadotropic hormone receptor, renin receptor, and SoxB2. More importantly, both DEGs and targets of differentially expressed non-coding RNAs (DEncRNAs) were enriched in renin-angiotensin system, TGF-β signaling, cell adhesion molecules, MAPK signaling pathway, and ECM-receptor interaction, suggesting that these pathways may play significant roles in the ovarian development of mud crabs. Moreover, competition endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were constructed while mRNAs were differentially expressed between mating stages were involved in Gene Ontology (GO) biological processes such as developmental process, reproduction, and growth. These findings could provide solid foundations for the future development of female mud crab maturation enhancement strategy, and improve the understanding of the ovarian maturation process in crustaceans.

Interview with Surendra Ghaskadbi – President of the Indian Society of Cell Biology

ABSTRACT Surendra Ghaskadbi is a cell and developmental biologist who held the positions of Senior and Emeritus Scientist at the MACS–Agharkar Research Institute in Pune, India. His lab has been particularly interested in cell signalling and pattern formation during early development, focusing on using Hydra as a research organism. More recently, Surendra has played a role in teaching and outreach in India, and he is also the current President of the Indian Society of Cell Biology. We chatted to him to find out more about his career, his advice for junior researchers and his role as society President.

Plasma proteomic biomarkers and the association between poor cardiovascular health and incident dementia: The UK Biobank study

BackgroundThe study examined how plasma proteome indicators may explain the link between poor cardiovascular health (CVH) and dementia risk. MethodsThe present study involved 28,974 UK Biobank participants aged 50-74y (2006–2010) at baseline (2006–2010) who were followed-up for ≤ 15 y for incidence of dementia. CVH was calculated using Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) total scores. The scores were standardized and reverse coded to reflect poor CVH (LE8z_rev). OLINK proteomics was available on this sample (k = 1,463 plasma proteins). The study primarily tested the mediating effects of the plasma proteome in LE8z_rev-dementia effect. The total effect was decomposed into “mediation only” or pure indirect effect (PIE), “interaction only” or interaction referent (INTREF), “neither mediation nor interaction” or controlled direct effect (CDE), and “both mediation and interaction” or mediated interaction (INTMED). ResultsThe study found poorer CVH assessed by LE8z_rev increased the risk of all-cause dementia by 11 % [per 1 SD, hazard ratio, (HR) = 1.11, 95 % CI: 1.03–1.20, p = 0.005). The study identified 11 plasma proteins with strong mediating effects, with GDF15 having the strongest association with dementia risk (per 1 SD, HR = 1.24, 95 % CI: 1.16, 1.33, P < 0.001 when LE8z_rev is set at its mean value) and the largest proportion mediated combining PIE and INTMED (62.6 %; 48 % of TE is PIE), followed by adrenomedullin or ADM. A first principal component with 10 top mediators (TNFRSF1A, GDF15, FSTL3, COL6A3, PLAUR, ADM, GFRAL, ACVRL1, TNFRSF6B, TGFA) mediated 53.6 % of the LE8z_rev-dementia effect. Using all the significant PIE (k = 526) proteins, we used OLINK Insight pathway analysis to identify key pathways, which revealed the involvement of the immune system, signal transduction, metabolism, disease, protein metabolism, hemostasis, membrane trafficking, extracellular matrix organization, developmental biology, and gene expression among others. STRING analysis revealed that five top consistent proteomic mediators were represented in two larger clusters reflecting numerous interconnected biological gene ontology pathways, most notably cytokine-mediated signaling pathway for GDF15 cluster (GO:0019221) and regulation of peptidyl-tyrosine phosphorylation for the ADM cluster (GO:0050730). ConclusionDementia is linked to poor CVH mediated by GDF15 and ADM among several key proteomic markers which collectively explained ∼ 54 % of the total effect.

Chewing asymmetry in dogs: Exploring the importance of the fossa masseterica and first molar teeth morphology.

Dogs are animals with strong bite force. This strong bite mechanism has led to significant changes in the skeletal system such as fossa masseterica. It can be thought that one side is used more than the other side in chewing and is related to the preference of using the same side's hand, eye and foot. In the study, directional asymmetry and fluctuating asymmetry, which occurs as a result of chewing asymmetry, were examined on the first molar teeth and the fossa masseterica in 85 dog mandibles including a wide diversity of morphotypes. The association of high PC1 values for directional asymmetry with a pronounced cranial index, as evident in breeds like Pekingese, Pomeranian and Bulldog, indicates a potential evolutionary or selective breeding trend favouring brachycephaly. On the contrary, guardian breeds like the German shepherd and Bernese mountain dog, which typically require strong jaws for their roles, showcased reduced PC1 values, which might be related to their functional morphology. Similarly, the PCA results for the first molar teeth shape variations also highlighted the influence of cranial shape, with boxer dogs displaying notably higher PC1 values. The fluctuating asymmetrical distributions provided valuable insights into individualistic variations. Interestingly, no specific breed distribution trend was observed for these asymmetries, indicating a more individual-based variation rather than breed-based. It is essential to note that while these results provide valuable insights, further studies are required to understand the underlying causes better. Factors like genetic variations, developmental processes, dietary habits and external environmental factors could play pivotal roles in these observed morphological differences.

Crystal Structure of the Photosensory Module from a PAS-Less Cyanobacterial Phytochrome as Pr Shows a Mix of Dark-Adapted and Photoactivated Features

Phytochromes (Phys) are a diverse collection of photoreceptors that regulate numerous physiological and developmental processes in microorganisms and plants through photointerconversion between red-light absorbing Pr and far-red light-absorbing Pfr states. Light is detected by an N-terminal photosensing module (PSM) sequentially comprised of Period/ARNT/Sim (PAS), cGMP-phosphodiesterase/adenylyl cyclase/FhlA (GAF), and Phy-specific (PHY) domains, with the bilin chromophore covalently-bound within the GAF domain. Phys sense light via the Pr/Pfr ratio measured by light-induced rotation of the bilin D-pyrrole ring that triggers conformational changes within the PSM, which for microbial Phys reaches into an output region. A key step is a β-stranded to α-helical reconfiguration of a hairpin loop extending from the PHY domain to contact the GAF domain. Besides canonical Phys, cyanobacteria express several variants, including a PAS-less subfamily that harbors just the GAF and PHY domains for light detection. Prior 2D-NMR studies of a model PAS-less Phy from Synechococcus_sp._JA-2-3B'a(2-13) (SyB-Cph1) proposed a unique photoconversion mechanism involving an A-pyrrole ring rotation, while magic-angle-spinning NMR probing the chromophore proposed the prototypic D-ring flip. To help solve this conundrum, we determined the crystallographic structure of the GAF-PHY region from SyB-Cph1 as Pr. Surprisingly, this structure differs from canonical Phys by having a Pr ZZZsyn,syn,anti bilin configuration but shifted to the activated position in the binding pocket with consequent folding of the hairpin loop to α-helical, an architecture common for Pfr. Collectively, the PSM of SyB-Cph1 as Pr displayed a mix of dark-adapted and photoactivated features whose co-planar A-C pyrrole rings supports a D-ring flip mechanism.

Deciphering lineage specification during early embryogenesis in mouse gastruloids using multilayered proteomics.

Gastrulation is a critical stage in embryonic development during which the germ layers are established. Advances in sequencing technologies led to the identification of gene regulatory programs that control the emergence of the germ layers and their derivatives. However, proteome-based studies of early mammalian development are scarce. To overcome this, we utilized gastruloids and a multilayered mass spectrometry-based proteomics approach to investigate the global dynamics of (phospho) protein expression during gastruloid differentiation. Our findings revealed many proteins with temporal expression and unique expression profiles for each germ layer, which we also validated using single-cell proteomics technology. Additionally, we profiled enhancer interaction landscapes using P300 proximity labeling, which revealed numerous gastruloid-specific transcription factors and chromatin remodelers. Subsequent degron-based perturbations combined with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) identified a critical role for ZEB2 in mouse and human somitogenesis. Overall, this study provides a rich resource for developmental and synthetic biology communities endeavoring to understand mammalian embryogenesis.

MEIS2 suppresses breast cancer development by downregulating IL10.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed female cancer. Homeobox protein MEIS2, a key transcription factor, is involved in the regulation of many developmental and cellular processes. However, the role of MEIS2 in the development of breast cancer is still unclear. We aimed to examine the role of myeloid ecotropic insertion site (MEIS2) in breast cancer and the association of MEIS2 with breast cancer clinical stages and pathological grades. We revealed the underlying mechanism by which MEIS2 affected breast cancer cell growth and tumor development. Using human BC cell lines, clinical samples and animal xenograft model, we reveal that MEIS2 functions as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer. The expression of MEIS2 is inversely correlated with BC clinical stages and pathological grades. MEIS2 knockdown (MEIS2-KD) promotes while MEIS2 overexpression suppresses breast cancer cell proliferation and tumor development in vitro and in animal xenograft models, respectively. To determine the biological function of MEIS2, we screen the expression of a group of MEIS2 potential targeting genes in stable-established cell lines. Results show that the knockdown of MEIS2 in breast cancer cells up-regulates the IL10 expression, but MEIS2 overexpression opposed the effect on IL10 expression. Furthermore, the suppressive role of MEIS2 in breast cancer cell proliferation is associated with the IL10 expression and myeloid cells infiltration. Our study demonstrates that the tumor suppressor of MEIS2 in breast cancer progression is partially via down regulating the expression of IL10 and promoting myeloid cells infiltration. Targeting MEIS2 would be a potentially therapeutic avenue for BC.

Breaking Barriers: An Innovative Tool to Assess the National and City-Level Physical Activity Policy Development to Practice Disconnect.

Population-level physical activity increases are improbable without intersectoral collaboration across government levels and sectors to develop and implement physical activity promotion policies. This study aims to provide information about the development of the Interaction between National and Local Government Levels in Development and Implementation of Physical Activity Policies Tool (INTEGRATE PA-Pol). A framework was created to examine the development and implementation of national and subnational physical activity policies and the (mis)alignment between government levels. The work was conducted in 3 phases: (1)a scoping review was carried out to identify local government physical activity promotion policies and instruments for assessing them, (2)an expert group designed 6 questionnaires, and (3)cognitive response testing was employed for validity testing and item modification with a panel of research and policy experts. The INTEGRATE PA-Pol Tool consists of 6 questionnaires assessing how national and subnational governments collaborate to develop and implement physical activity promotion policies. This tool can assist in better understanding the development and implementation of a public policy monitoring system that will allow for benchmarking and priority setting to comprehend how physical activity promotion policies are designed and executed.

Evaluation of the Effect of Parental Participation on Chinese Adolescent Behavioral Development Through the Mediating Effect of Peers: A Moderated Mediation Model.

With the rapid changes in the social environment, adolescents are facing increasing academic pressure and challenges to their physical and mental development in the socialization process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence mechanisms of parental participation on adolescent behavioral development (learning persistence, expressive language ability and knowledge absorption ability), revealing the mediation role of adolescent positive and negative peer interactions between parental participation and behavioral development, and whether differences in parents and children's educational expectations moderate this process. This study was measured using the Parental Participation Questionnaire, Peer Interaction Questionnaire, Behavioral Development Scale, and Educational Expectancy Gap from the China Education Panel Survey. A total of 7730 seventh-grade students and their parents were invited to participate, to establish a moderated mediation model, and the significance of the mediation effect was tested using the bias-corrected percentile Bootstrap method. (1) High frequent parental participation has a significant positive effect on adolescent behavioral development, including behavioral participation, emotional participation, and educational participation all exerting varying degrees of positive influence, as well as positively influencing adolescents' peer interactions. (2) Positive and negative peer interactions play the mediation role of 12.3% and 2.5% respectively in the process of parental participation affecting adolescent behavioral development. (3) Comparing "educational expectation gap - equal", the "educational expectation gap - high" negatively moderates the effect of parental participation on adolescent behavioral development and positive peer interaction (inhibitory effect), the "educational expectation gap - low" positively moderates the effect of parental participation on negative peer interaction (facilitation effect), which meant that the "educational expectation gap - equal" between parents and children is a more desirable state. These findings provide empirical support and effective operational suggestions to further promote positive adolescent behavioral development. Particularly for developing countries, it is recognized that positive parental participation and peer interaction, as well as equal educational expectation of parents and children, are protective factors for adolescent development.

Freestyle wrestling in sections of a school sports club

Introduction. Freestyle wrestling ensures effective development of various physical qualities and abilities in schoolchildren, and is among the most popular sports along with other types of martial arts and games. Freestyle wrestling is an appropriate means of sports-oriented physical education for schoolchildren, since it meets their interests and needs in physical education and sports. The study aims to analyze the effectiveness of a school sports club in organizing physical education and sports work, taking into account the interest of those involved, on the example of freestyle wrestling. Materials and methods. The pedagogical experiment involved implementing the developed methodology for freestyle wrestling in sections at the school sports club. 30 students from MBEI Secondary School No. 38 in Grozny (Russian Federation) took part in the experiment. Research results. Freestyle wrestling in sections at the school sports club significantly increases physical activity and preparedness of students. The comparative analysis showed a significant improvement in the test scores of the experimental group: 60 m standing-start run with hand support, sec – p &lt; 0.05; 5 successive somersaults, sec – p &lt; 0.05; pull-ups on a bar, number of times – p &lt; 0.05; forward bends from a sitting position, cm – p &lt;0.05; in the test shuttle run 3×10 m, sec – p &lt; 0.05; raising the body into a squat position in 30 sec, number of times – p &lt;0.05; and cross running 2000m, min – p&lt;0.05. Conclusion. The study confirmed the effectiveness of freestyle wrestling in sections at the school sports club. The proposed methodology will significantly increase physical activity, fitness and development of schoolchildren, and its use in the physical education system can be considered appropriate.

The people behind the papers – J. Guillermo Sanchez and Jim Wells

During development, the gastrointestinal tract undergoes patterning along its anterior-posterior axis to define regions with distinct organs and functions. A new paper in Development derives human intestinal organoids from an individual with duodenal defects and a compound heterozygous variant in the gene encoding the transcription factor RFX6. By studying these organoids, the authors identify novel roles for RFX6 in intestinal patterning. To learn more about the story behind the paper, we caught up with first author J. Guillermo Sanchez and corresponding author Jim Wells, an endowed professor in the Division of Developmental Biology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, USA, where he is also the Director for Basic Research in the Division of Endocrinology.

The people behind the papers - Yongjun Yin and David Ornitz.

During alveologenesis, multiple mesenchymal cell types play crucial roles in maximising the lung surface area. In their study, David Ornitz and colleagues define the repertoire of lung fibroblasts, with a particular focus on alveolar myofibroblasts. To know more about their work, we spoke to the first author, Yongjun Yin, and the corresponding author, David Ornitz, Alumni Endowed Professor at the Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis.

Hedgehog signaling is required for larval muscle development and larval metamorphosis of the mussel Mytilus coruscus

Understanding the developmental processes and signaling pathways involved in larval myogenesis and metamorphosis is crucial for comprehending the life history and adaptive strategies of marine organisms. In this study, we investigated the temporal and spatial patterns of myogenesis in the mussel Mytilus coruscus (Mc), focusing on the emergence and transformation of major muscle groups during different larval stages. We also explored the role of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway in regulating myogenesis and larval metamorphosis. The results revealed distinct developmental stages characterized by the emergence of specific muscular components, such as velum retractor muscles and anterior adductor muscles, in D-veliger and umbo larvae, which are responsible for the planktonic stage. In the pediveliger stage, posterior ventral, posterior adductor, and foot muscles appeared. After larval metamorphosis, the velum structure and its corresponding retractor muscles degenerate, indicating the transition from planktonic to benthic life. We observed a conserved pattern of larval musculature development and revealed a high degree of conservation across bivalve species, with comparable emergence times during myogenesis. Furthermore, exposure to the Hh signaling inhibitor cyclopamine impaired larval muscle development, reduced larval swimming activity, and inhibited larval metamorphosis in M. coruscus. Cyclopamine-mediated inhibition of Hh signaling led to reduced expression of four key genes within the Hh signaling pathway (McHh, McPtc, McSmo, and McGli) and the striated myosin heavy chain gene (McMHC). It is hypothesised that the abnormal larval muscle development in cyclopamine-treated groups may be an indirect effect due to disrupted McMHC expression. We provide evidence for the first time that cyclopamine treatment inhibited larval metamorphosis in bivalves, highlighting the potential involvement of Hh signaling in mediating larval muscle development and metamorphosis in M. coruscus. The present study provides insights into the dynamic nature of myogenesis and the regulatory role of the Hh signaling pathway during larval development and metamorphosis in M. coruscus. The results obtained in this study contribute to a better understanding of the evolutionary significance of Hh signaling in bivalves and shed light on the mechanisms underlying larval muscle development and metamorphosis in marine invertebrates.