Time-Series RNA-Seq of Acropora tenuis Reveals Molecular Waves Leading to Synchronous Mass Spawning of Scleractinian Corals.

ABSTRACT: Although mass, synchronised spawning of scleractinian corals is a well-known phenomenon, its underlying molecular mechanisms, especially those that achieve synchronous release of gametes, are still unknown. In the genus Acropora, the dominant scleractinian coral in shallow reefs, spawning timing is synchronised in any given location, but often varies among locations. Here, we report gene expression cascades potentially driving synchronous mass spawning, revealed through transcriptome monitoring of Acropora tenuis, tracking both daily and monthly dynamics during a year-long experiment that included two spawning events. We identified 236 genes in four waves of molecular events that culminated in spawning. First, receptor function and prostaglandin secretion became active 2 weeks before spawn

SUBMITTER: Yoshioka Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12573721 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature