Table4_Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals deep molecular landscapes in stony coral Montipora clade.XLSX

Introduction: Coral reefs, among the most invaluable ecosystems in the world, face escalating threats from climate change and anthropogenic activities. To decipher the genetic underpinnings of coral adaptation and resilience, we undertook comprehensive transcriptome profiling of two emblematic coral species, Montipora foliosa and Montipora capricornis, leveraging PacBio Iso-Seq technology. These species were strategically selected for their ecological significance and their taxonomic proximity within the Anthozoa class.Methods: Our study encompassed the generation of pristine transcriptomes, followed by thorough functional annotation via diverse databases. Subsequently, we quantified transcript abundance and scrutinized gene expression patterns, revealing notable distinctions between the two species.Results: Intriguingly, shared orthologous genes were identified across a spectrum of coral species, highlighting a substantial genetic conservation within scleractinian corals. Importantly, a subset of genes, integral to biomineralization processes, emerged as exclusive to scleractinian corals, shedding light on their intricate evolutionary history. Furthermore, we discerned pronounced upregulation of genes linked to immunity, stress response, and oxidative-reduction processes in M. foliosa relative to M. capricornis. These findings hint at the presence of more robust mechanisms in M. foliosa for maintaining internal equilibrium and effectively navigating external challenges, underpinning its potential ecological advantage. Beyond elucidating genetic adaptation in corals, our research underscores the urgency of preserving genetic diversity within coral populations.Discussion: These insights hold promise for informed conservation strategies aimed at safeguarding these imperiled ecosystems, bearing ecological and economic significance. In synthesis, our study seamlessly integrates genomic inquiry with ecological relevance, bridging the gap between molecular insights and the imperative to conserve coral reefs in the face of mounting threats.

引言：珊瑚礁，作为世界上最具价值的生态系统之一，正面临着气候变化和人为活动日益加剧的威胁。为了揭示珊瑚适应性和韧性的遗传基础，本研究对两种具有代表性的珊瑚物种——柳珊瑚（Montipora foliosa）和角珊瑚（Montipora capricornis）——进行了全面的转录组分析，利用PacBio Iso-Seq技术。这些物种因其生态重要性及其在珊瑚纲（Anthozoa）中的系统学邻近性而被精心挑选。方法：本研究涵盖了原始转录组的生成，随后通过多种数据库进行了详尽的功能注释。接着，我们量化了转录本的丰度并审视了基因表达模式，揭示了两种物种之间显著的区别。结果：令人感兴趣的是，在珊瑚物种的广泛范围内，共识别出共享的同源基因，突显了棘皮珊瑚（scleractinian corals）内部的遗传保守性。重要的是，一组与生物矿化过程相关的基因，仅见于棘皮珊瑚，揭示了其复杂的进化历史。此外，我们观察到，与免疫、应激反应和氧化还原过程相关的基因在柳珊瑚（M. foliosa）中的上调程度显著高于角珊瑚（M. capricornis）。这些发现暗示了柳珊瑚在维持内部平衡和有效应对外部挑战方面存在更为坚固的机制，这为其潜在的生态优势奠定了基础。除阐释珊瑚的遗传适应性外，我们的研究强调了在珊瑚种群中保护遗传多样性的紧迫性。讨论：这些见解有望为旨在保护这些濒危生态系统的有知保护策略提供支持，具有生态和经济的意义。总之，本研究将基因组研究与其生态相关性无缝结合，架起了分子洞察与应对日益严峻的威胁，保护珊瑚礁的必要性之间的桥梁。