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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2023.12.17.572093

A genome and tissue-specific transcriptomes of the large-polyp coral, Fimbriaphyllia (Euphyllia) ancora: Recipe for a coral polyp

Shikina, S.·Yoshioka, Y.·Chiu, Y.-L.·Uchida, T.·Chen, E.·Cheng, Y.-C.·Lin, T.-C.·Chu, Y.-L.·Kanda, M.·Kawamitsu, M.·Fujie, M.·Takeuchi, T.·Zayasu, Y.·Satoh, N.·Shinzato, C.
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Abstract

Coral "polyps" are composed of several tissues; however, their characteristics are largely unexplored. Here we report biological characteristics of the four tissues that comprise polyps: tentacle (Te), mesenterial filament (Me), body wall (Bo), and mouth with pharynx (MP), using comparative genomic, morpho-histological, and transcriptomic analyses of the large-polyp coral, Fimbriaphyllia ancora. A draft F. ancora genome assembly of 434 Mbp was created. Morpho-histological and transcriptomic characterization of the four tissues showed that they have distinct differences in structure, primary cellular composition, and transcriptional profiles. Tissue-specific, highly expressed genes (HEGs) of Te are related to biological defense, predation, and coral-algal symbiosis. Me expresses multiple digestive enzymes, whereas Bo expresses innate immunity and biomineralization-related molecules. Many receptors for neuropeptides and neurotransmitters are expressed in MP. The established dataset and new insights into tissue functions will facilitate a deeper understanding of coral biology.

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Shikina, S., Yoshioka, Y., Chiu, Y.-L., Uchida, T., Chen, E., Cheng, Y.-C., Lin, T.-C., Chu, Y.-L., Kanda, M., Kawamitsu, M., Fujie, M., Takeuchi, T., Zayasu, Y., Satoh, N., Shinzato, C.. 2023-12-18. A genome and tissue-specific transcriptomes of the large-polyp coral, Fimbriaphyllia (Euphyllia) ancora: Recipe for a coral polyp. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.12.17.572093

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