Fig. 2

Relative gene expression of 34 Crassostrea gigas nuclear receptors in different life stages. Gene expression was measured using quantitative RT-PCR. Relative gene expression was calculated using a normalisation factor computed with the three reference genes and statistically analysed as described in the methods section. Alternative names for oyster nuclear receptors based on their closest identified homologs in Homo sapiens or Drosophila melanogaster [13], are provided in brackets. Bars indicate the mean ± standard error of three independent measurements per time point. Different letters above each bar represent groups that were significantly different (p = 0.05); same letters: no significant difference. N/A: expression below detection limit; h: hour post fertilisation; d: days post fertilisation; E: unfertilised eggs; F: female; M: male