An ɑ₂-adrenergic receptor is involved in larval metamorphosis in the mussel,<i>Mytilus coruscus</i>

Abstract

Metamorphosis is crucial in the life-cycle transition between the larval and juvenile stages of marine invertebrates. Although a number of agonists and antagonists of the adrenergic receptor (AR) are known to regulate larval metamorphosis in <i>Mytilus coruscus</i> (Mc), the molecular basis of the modulation of larval metamorphosis by the AR gene in this species remains elusive. Herein, the role of the AR gene in <i>M. coruscus</i> larval metamorphosis using the RNA interference technique was examined. The Mcα₂AR transcript was observed to be present during the entire process of larval development and its level in the post-larvae was significantly increased compared to that in the pediveligers. Mcα₂AR-knockdown resulted in a substantial reduction in the abundance of the Mcα₂AR transcript and significantly inhibited the metamorphosis of <i>M. coruscus</i> larvae. These findings provide new insights into the molecular basis of modulation of larval metamorphosis in <i>M. coruscus</i> by the AR gene.