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Transcriptome dynamics over a lunar month in a broadcast spawning acroporid coral
Matthew J Oldach1, Matthew Workentine1, Mikhail V Matz2
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N1N4.
Molecular Ecology
|February 1, 2017
Summary
Coral spawning synchronizes with lunar cycles, driven by daily gene expression shifts. This research reveals how lunar light influences coral reproductive timing and biological clocks.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Chronobiology
- Genomics
Background:
- Coral reefs exhibit synchronized mass spawning events annually.
- Accurate timing is crucial for broadcast spawning coral fertilization in the ocean.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how acroporid corals interpret lunar signals for spawning.
- To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying circalunar timing in corals.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptome sequencing was performed at noon and midnight throughout a lunar cycle.
- Data analysis included time-of-day-dependent and independent methods.
Main Results:
- Circadian clock genes exhibit altered diurnal cycles and phase shifts aligned with the lunar cycle.
- Genes involved in signal transduction, cell cycle, and ion transport show lunar-dependent expression patterns.
- Distinct gene expression changes were observed between day and night across different lunar phases.
Conclusions:
- Lunar light influences coral transcription cycles and circalunar timing systems.
- Acroporid corals possess molecular mechanisms to interpret and respond to lunar cues for reproduction.
