Screening of morphology-related genes based on predator-induced transcriptome sequencing and the functional analysis of <i>Dagcut</i> gene in <i>Daphnia galeata</i>

Abstract High fish predation pressure can trigger “induced defense” in Daphnia species, resulting phenotypic plasticity morphology, behavior, or life-history traits. The molecular mechanisms of defense morphogenesis (e.g., the tail spine and helmet) remain unclear. In present study, spine, helmet, body galeata under non-fish kairomones conditions were collected for transcriptome analysis. A total 24 candidate genes related to morphological D. identified, including 2 trypsin, one cuticle protein, 1 C1qDC ferritin genes. function Dagcut gene (D. protein gene) relation morphology was assessed using RNA interference (RNAi). Compared with EGFP (Enhanced green fluorescent protein) treatment, after RNAi, expression levels showed a significant decrease. Correspondingly, spines offspring produced by RNAi appeared curved during experiment. whole-mount situ hybridization, clear signal site detected on before which disappeared RNAi. Our results suggest that may play an important role formation galeata, will provide theoretical basis studying cladocera future.