Transcriptome analysis of genes regulated by retinoic acid in metamorphosing Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus

Retinoic acid (RA) regulates expression of various genes critical for vertebrate development. In flounder, RA exposure of metamorphosing larvae causes fusion of centra and ectopic pigmentation of blind-side, presumably by disturbing expression of RA-target genes. To approach the molecular mechanism underlying the malformation induced by RA, we intended to identify up- and down-regulated genes by RA using RNA-seq transcriptome analysis. Comparison of expression profile between RA-treated and control revealed up-regulated and down-regulated genes. Our RNA-seq data would help understanding the molecular basis of the RA-induced abnormalities and the functions of endogenous RA in the flounder metamorphosis.