Genome and tissue-specific transcriptomes of the large-polyp coral, Fimbriaphyllia (Euphyllia) ancora: a recipe for a coral polyp

Shinya Shikina; Yuki Yoshioka; Yi-Ling Chiu; Taiga Uchida; Emma Chen; Yin-Chu Cheng; Tzu-Chieh Lin; Yu-Ling Chu; Miyuki Kanda; Mayumi Kawamitsu; Manabu Fujie; Takeshi Takeuchi; Yuna Zayasu; Noriyuki Satoh; Chuya Shinzato

doi:10.1038/s42003-024-06544-4

Communications Biology (Jul 2024)

Genome and tissue-specific transcriptomes of the large-polyp coral, Fimbriaphyllia (Euphyllia) ancora: a recipe for a coral polyp

Shinya Shikina,
Yuki Yoshioka,
Yi-Ling Chiu,
Taiga Uchida,
Emma Chen,
Yin-Chu Cheng,
Tzu-Chieh Lin,
Yu-Ling Chu,
Miyuki Kanda,
Mayumi Kawamitsu,
Manabu Fujie,
Takeshi Takeuchi,
Yuna Zayasu,
Noriyuki Satoh,
Chuya Shinzato

Affiliations

Shinya Shikina: Institute of Marine Environment and Ecology, National Taiwan Ocean University
Yuki Yoshioka: Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna
Yi-Ling Chiu: Institute of Marine Environment and Ecology, National Taiwan Ocean University
Taiga Uchida: Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo
Emma Chen: Institute of Marine Environment and Ecology, National Taiwan Ocean University
Yin-Chu Cheng: Institute of Marine Environment and Ecology, National Taiwan Ocean University
Tzu-Chieh Lin: Institute of Marine Environment and Ecology, National Taiwan Ocean University
Yu-Ling Chu: Institute of Marine Environment and Ecology, National Taiwan Ocean University
Miyuki Kanda: DNA Sequencing Center Section, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna
Mayumi Kawamitsu: DNA Sequencing Center Section, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna
Manabu Fujie: DNA Sequencing Center Section, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna
Takeshi Takeuchi: Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna
Yuna Zayasu: Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna
Noriyuki Satoh: Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna
Chuya Shinzato: Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-024-06544-4
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 7, no. 1
pp. 1 – 14

Abstract

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Abstract Coral polyps are composed of four tissues; however, their characteristics are largely unexplored. Here we report biological characteristics of tentacles (Te), mesenterial filaments (Me), body wall (Bo), and mouth with pharynx (MP), using comparative genomic, morpho-histological, and transcriptomic analyses of the large-polyp coral, Fimbriaphyllia ancora. A draft F. ancora genome assembly of 434 Mbp was created. Morpho-histological and transcriptomic characterization of the four tissues showed that they have distinct differences in structure, primary cellular composition, and transcriptional profiles. Tissue-specific, highly expressed genes (HEGs) of Te are related to biological defense, predation, and coral-algal symbiosis. Me expresses multiple digestive enzymes, whereas Bo expresses innate immunity and biomineralization-related molecules. Many receptors for neuropeptides and neurotransmitters are expressed in MP. This dataset and new insights into tissue functions will facilitate a deeper understanding of symbiotic biology, immunology, biomineralization, digestive biology, and neurobiology in corals.

Published in Communications Biology

ISSN: 2399-3642 (Online)
Publisher: Nature Portfolio
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Science: Biology (General)
Website: https://www.nature.com/commsbio/

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