Hippo-warts-yorkie pathway is crucial for larval survival and shell development in Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai)

•Three hippo pathway-related genes, hippo, warts and yorkie, were identified in Haliotis. discus hannai.•Three hippo pathway-related genes were mainly expressed at the trochophore and veliger stages.•Silencing of yorkie led to high larval cumulative mortality.•Yorkie is crucial for larval survival and shell development.