Transcriptomic response of Cinachyrella cf. cavernosa sponges to spatial competition

Area of Science:

• Marine ecology
• Interspecific competition
• Transcriptomics

Background:

• Intertidal zones are dynamic habitats requiring organisms to cope with environmental fluctuations and spatial competition.
• Sponges are crucial benthic organisms whose life processes are significantly influenced by competitive interactions.
• Understanding the molecular basis of competition is vital for marine ecosystem studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the molecular responses of the sponge Cinachyrella cf. cavernosa to interspecific competition with Zoanthus sansibaricus and Dictyota ciliolata.
• To identify key genes and metabolic pathways affected by competitive stress in sponges.
• To explore potential novel competitive strategies, such as kleptocnidism, in intertidal sponges.

Main Methods:

• Field-based transcriptomic analysis of Cinachyrella cf. cavernosa under competitive pressure.
• Differential gene expression analysis to identify molecular responses to specific competitors.
• Assessment of metabolic pathways, heat-shock protein expression, and viral load.

Main Results:

• Zoanthus sansibaricus emerged as a more potent competitor to Cinachyrella cf. cavernosa.
• Competition induced upregulation of cellular respiration, energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, and heat-shock protein 70 in sponges.
• Observed were increased viral load, reduced protein synthesis, downregulated purine/pyrimidine metabolism, and a potential case of kleptocnidism.

Conclusions:

• Interspecific competition significantly impacts sponge physiology at the molecular level, altering energy metabolism and stress responses.
• The study highlights the complex molecular strategies sponges employ to cope with competitive pressures in intertidal zones.
• Transcriptomics provides valuable insights into the ecological dynamics and molecular mechanisms of spatial competition in marine benthic communities.