Biomineralization processes in bivalve molluscs are still poorly understood. Here we provide
an analysis of specifically expressed sequences from a mantle transcriptome of the blue
mussel, Mytilus edulis. We then developed a novel, integrative shell injury assay to test,
whether biomineralization candidate genes highly expressed in marginal and pallial mantle
could be induced in central mantle tissue underlying the damaged shell areas. This
experimental approach makes it possible to identify gene products that control the chemical …