Identifying the biomedical potential of bivalves

Researchers have been studying shellfish, such as oysters and mussels, which may have the potential to revolutionise human health research. These creature could help researchers investigate bone regeneration and aid pharmaceutical development.

“Model systems like mice and flies have been invaluable to biology, but there is no such thing as a model system that can answer all the important questions,” said Dr José Fernández Robledo, Senior Research Scientist at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences and lead author on the paper. “There is a lot of potential for bivalve research to offer unique insights into new solutions.”

Just like in humans, bivalves are affected by viruses and bacteria, and are able to fight them without the use of antibiotics. They also contract cancer, but are able to cure themselves without antibodies, or treatment.

“Clams don’t have chemotherapy or radiation, and somehow they are able to get rid of cancer,” said Dr Fernández Robledo. “How on earth do they do it? Their strategy can give us clues about how to fight cancer in humans.”

By studying immunity in bivalves, researchers hope to gain an understanding on how they identify alternatives for antibiotics, possibly by mimicking the antimicrobial compounds that are produced by the mussels. 

“Sometimes you find incredible new things when you start comparing different organisms,” said Dr Fernández Robledo. “I believe we will find things here that will translate into discoveries for humans.”

The research team is currently looking at the molecular tools needed to probe bivalve genomes for anything they can provide to help advance disease research. Researchers have recently sequenced the 28,027 gene long genome of oysters, but do not know what most of these genes actually do. 

“Oysters are more than good to eat,” Dr Fernández Robledo said. “This research will allow us to unlock their potential as a model system that helps us innovate and improve human health.”

The study was published in the journal Developmental and Comparative Immunology.