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Transcriptomic and functional analysis reveals the role of photoperiod and Cryptochrome1 in regulating immunity of sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus intermedius)

ABSTRACT: Photoperiod is a key environmental factor regulating circadian rhythm and physiology in aquatic organisms, but its effects on the immune function of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius (S. intermedius) remain unclear. This study investigated photoperiodic regulation of immune resistance, transcriptomes, and circadian rhythm in S. intermedius, and the role of circadian clock gene Cryptochrome1 (Cry1) in immunity. The sea urchins were acclimated to four photoperiods (LL, DD, LD, DL) for one month, followed by Pseudoalteromonas sp. challenge. Bacterial load and gene expression were detected by qRT-PCR; transcriptomic analysis identified DEGs between LD-ZT0 and LD-ZT12, and Cry1 was knocked down via dsRNA for verification. LD photoperiod significantly enhanced antibacterial resistance, with the lowest bacterial load and highest expression of immune genes (SOD, CAT, TNFSF14, C3, ACP, NLRP3) at 12/24 hpi. Transcriptome analysis identified 1450 DEGs enriched in immune (innate immunity, NLRP3 inflammasome assembly) and circadian pathways. LD maintained robust 24-hour rhythms of circadian (Cry1, Cycle, Clock, Rev-erbα) and immune genes, while DL induced phase inversion and LL/DD abolished rhythms. Cry1 knockdown reduced bacterial load and upregulated NLRP3, C3, IL-17D, and TNFSF14. Collectively, LD is optimal for S. intermedius circadian rhythm and immune homeostasis, and Cry1 negatively regulates its immune response. This study provides insights into photoperiodic regulation of echinoderm immunity and support for S. intermedius aquaculture. Collectively, these findings indicate that LD photoperiod is optimal for maintaining circadian rhythm and immune homeostasis of S. intermedius, and Cry1 plays a negative regulatory role in its immune response. This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of photoperiod regulating immune function in echinoderms and theoretical support for aquaculture management of S. intermedius.

ORGANISM(S): Strongylocentrotus intermedius

PROVIDER: GSE328260 | GEO | 2026/07/20

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Transcriptomic and functional analysis reveals the role of photoperiod and Cryptochrome1 in regulating immunity of sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus intermedius)

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