Transcriptomic modifications induced by short-term temperature exposure reveal jellyfish adaptive energetic responses

Besides human activities and climate change, the physiological adaptations of jellyfish have been associated with their blooming worldwide; these adaptations may allow jellyfish to sustain the energetic demands that short-term exposure to seawater temperature induces. However, scarce information exists about the transcriptomic responses of jellyfish cells when exposed to varying seawater temperatures. This study analyzed the transcriptome of the jellyfish Stomolophus sp.2 to unveil the biochemical basis of specific responses to short-term exposure to different seawater temperatures (18, 23, and 33 °C). The study revealed 1094 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among the three temperatures analyzed in pairs, low and high temperatures compared to 23 °C (optimal for the species). A total of 96 and 759 DEGs were detected at 18 and 33 °C compared to 23 °C, respectively. The functional enrichment analysis included pathways such as energetic metabolism, glutathione metabolism, lipids metabolism, and immune response, among others. The results confirmed rapid jellyfish transcriptional responses, including changes in the expression of genes related to central metabolism and bioenergetics, to sustain their energy budget and basic metabolic functions closely related to the ability of Stomolophus sp.2 to cope with thermal stress.