Transcriptomic changes during regeneration in demosponge Cinachyyrella cf cavernosa

In this study, the differential regeneration process in sponge Cinachyrella cf cavernosa was examined by creating a wound at basal and non-basal tissues. The differences in wound healing were investigated based on qualitative and quantitative changes in collagen at both wound locations. The variation at the cellular level was also studied during regeneration. To understand the molecular process of gene regulation during regeneration in C.cf cavernosa, differential gene expression (transcriptomics) analysis was carried out using Illumina NextSeq 500. The basal tissue was found to heal faster than non-basal tissue and collagen was found to be the responsible factor for this increased rate of wound healing. There was no apparent difference in the types and density of cells present in regenerative basal and non-basal tissue. The differential analysis of fast regenerating basal tissue showed up-regulation in collagen-related gene Col and actin-related genes during progressive stages of regeneration. Contrary to other metabolism-related genes, lipid metabolism related genes are expressed in more numbers with consecutive stages of regeneration highlighting their role in stress management of the sponge. This study serves to advance our understanding of the regeneration process, factors affecting the rate of this process and transcriptomic changes in regenerating sponge.