Comparative transcriptome, desiccation stress, Sargassum muticum

Desiccation profoundly influences the distribution and abundance of intertidal seaweeds. Sargassum muticum, a brown seaweed inhabiting intertidal rocks, endures periodic air exposure during low tides, necessitating robust mechanisms to cope with desiccation stress. Yet, the molecular basis of this adaptation remains poorly understood. These findings suggest that S. muticum undergoes extensive biological adjustments to mitigate desiccation stress. This study enhances our understanding of macroalgal desiccation tolerance and informs ecological perspectives on rocky intertidal ecosystems.