Transcriptional and morphological response of sea urchin larvae Mesocentrotus franciscanus to combined ocean acidification and hypoxia

Combined ocean acidification and hypoxia (OAH) is becoming increasingly widespread and severe along the California coast due to anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions exacerbating upwelling. The transcriptomic response of the larval red sea urchin Mesocentrotus franciscanus to OAH was assessed to determine the physiological consequences of OAH stress. Analysis of this transcriptome reveals a graded response proportional to OAH severity in addition to select pH and DO breakpoints that impact morphology and gene expression. By assessing the physiological response and gene expression of these species, we can inform future management actions to mitigate OAH-related impacts and maintain fishery populations.

受人为二氧化碳排放加剧上升流影响，加利福尼亚沿岸海域的海洋酸化与缺氧复合胁迫（Combined Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia, OAH）正愈发广泛且严重。本研究针对红海胆幼体（*Mesocentrotus franciscanus*）对OAH胁迫的转录组响应展开评估，以明确OAH胁迫所引发的生理效应。对该转录组的分析结果显示，除影响形态与基因表达的特定pH与溶解氧（Dissolved Oxygen, DO）临界值外，还存在与OAH胁迫严重程度呈正相关的分级响应模式。通过评估该物种的生理响应与基因表达特征，可为未来制定缓解OAH相关影响、维持渔业种群规模的管理策略提供科学支撑。