The Cell States of Sea Urchin During Metamorphosis Revealed by Single-Cell RNA Sequencing

作者：Hui Ge, Yongyu Huang, Lili Zhang, Shiyu Huang, Guodong Wang · 发表于：International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.3390/ijms26031059 · 被引用次数：7 · 研究领域：Ocean Acidification Effects and Responses、Marine animal studies overview、Echinoderm biology and ecology

Metamorphosis is a key process in the life history of sea urchin Heliocidaris crassispina. However, the understanding of its molecular mechanisms is still lacking, especially the basic cell biology pre-metamorphosis and post-metamorphosis. Therefore, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing to delineate the cellular states of larvae and juveniles of H. crassispina. Our investigation revealed that the cell composition in sea urchins comprises six primary populations, encompassing nerve cells, skeletogenic cells, immune cells, digestive cells, germ cells, and muscle cells. Subsequently, we identified subpopulations within these cells. Our findings indicated that the larval peripheral nerves were discarded during metamorphosis. A decrease in the number of spicules was observed during this process. Additionally, we examined the differences between larval and adult pigment cells. Meanwhile, cellulase is highlighted as an essential factor for the development of competent juveniles. In summary, this study not only serves as a valuable resource for future research on sea urchins but also deepens our understanding of the intricate metamorphosis process.