Integrated application of transcriptomics and metabolomics provides insights into the larval metamorphosis of pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii)

Abstract Larval metamorphosis, the planktonic larvae transited into benthic juveniles, is a short important phase for mollusks. However, information about mechanism of its larval settlement and metamorphosis Pinctada fucata martensii still limited. In this study, metabolomic transcriptomic approaches were applied to assess metabolic transcript changes among different stage groups P. f. understand mechanism. metabolomics assay, 71 pathways significantly metabolites (SDM), including phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan biosynthesis; ubiquinone other terpenoid–quinone phenylalanine metabolism d -glutamine D-glutamate metabolism, identified between eyed spat. Fifty-seven SDMs, metabolism; arachidonic acid biosynthesis steroid hormone biosynthesis, spat juvenile. The transcriptome analysis showed that 4561 915 differentially expressed genes (DEG) stages juvenile stages, respectively. pathway enrichment in DEGs associated with neurotransmitter cholinergic, glutamatergic, GABAergic, serotonergic synapse enriched stages. This study first work involving integrated analyses identify key molecular mechanisms underlying martensii.