Comprehensive and quantitative proteomic analysis of metamorphosis-related proteins in the veined rapa whelk, Rapana venosa

We analyzed the proteomes of competent Rapna venosa larvae and post-larvae, resulting in the identification of 5,312 proteins, including 470 that were down-regulated and 668 that were up-regulated after metamorphosis. The differentially expressed proteins reflected multiple processes involved in metamorphosis, including cytoskeleton and cell adhesion, ingestion and digestion, stress response and immunity, as well as specific tissue development. Our data improve understanding of the physiological traits controlling R. venosa metamorphosis and provide a solid basis for further study.