Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals metabolism transformation in Coilia nasus larvae during the mouth-open...

In oviparous fish larvae, the mouth-open period is a crucial physiological and metabolic switch period. To explore the molecular mechanisms involved in metabolism during this stage in Coilia nasus larvae, we performed next generation RNA-seq technology to assemble de novo a transcriptome and analyzed differential expressed genes (DEGs). In our study, 307,825 unigenes were generated. 154 genes significantly increased, and 144 genes were significantly inhibited during the mouth-open period. Metabolism-related DEGs were classified into retinol metabolism, purine metabolism, and lipid metabolism, and they were altered during this stage. These activated metabolism-related genes would contribute to eye development, cell cycle, and lipid storage. Moreover, some genes related to eye development, cell cycle, and lipid storage were detected by RT-qPCR. These results indicated that retinol metabolism, purine metabolism, and lipid metabolism were improved, and they would contribute to eye development, cell cycle, and lipid storage during the mouth-open period in C. nasus larvae. These results would contribute to comprehending the physiological and metabolic switches during the mouth-open period, and provide the theoretical basis for breeding.