Comparative transcriptomics as a key to understanding the adaptation mechanisms of Baikal sculpins to the deep-water habitat

In this study, the transcriptional profiles of four deep-sea sculpin fish species (Cottoidei) are described for the first time as part of the study of the adaptation of endemic fishes to different habitats in Lake Baikal. These studies will lead to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms that ensure the adaptation of endemic species to specific habitats in Lake Baikal, even at depths of more than 500 m (up to 1600 m). Overall design: To study the effect of habitat depth on the transcriptional profile, a transcriptome analysis was performed for 4 species: m3 - Comephorus dybowski Korotneff, 1905; m4 - Comephorus baicalensis (Pallas, 1776); m6 - Batrachocottus nikolskii (Berg, 1900); m7 - Batrachocottus multiradiatus Berg, 1907. Fish species were collected during trawl surveys on the R/V Vereshchagin in August 2023 and 2024. The work was supported by State project No. 0279-2021-0005 (121032300224-8).