Comp Biochem Physiol Part D Genomics Proteomics 2026 Apr 22;59:101844. doi: 10.1016/j.cbd.2026.101844.

Papillae growth and molecular responses of juvenile sea cucumbers (Apostichopus japonicus) exposed to different light intensities.

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The present study investigated the effects of different intensities of blue light on papillae number growth and associated molecular mechanisms in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. The sea cucumber were exposed for 60 days under three blue light intensities (1500 lx, 3000 lx, and 4500 lx). Papillae numbers and body weight were measured regularly. Transcriptomic sequencing was performed to analyze gene expression differences in spine tissues. The results showed that the number of papillae was significantly highest in the sea cucumbers exposed to 1500 lx. Body weight growth was not significantly affected by any light intensity treatment. Compared with the control group, the 1500 lx group showed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) significantly enriched in pathways including the ras signaling pathway, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, and fatty acid elongation. Seven key genes potentially related to the growth of papillae number were identified: Survivin, PHB2, SoxB, traf6, TRPML3, TGF-β1, and Rps13. In contrast, compared with the 1500 lx group, both the 3000 lx group and the 4500 lx group showed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) mainly enriched in pathways including axon regeneration, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis, and chemokine signaling. Six genes potentially inhibiting the growth of papillae number were identified: CRK, Smad4, Rac1, Arf6, ASAP2, and Wnt7. In conclusion, the light intensity of 1500 lx effectively increased the papillae number in A. japonicus. This study provides molecular evidence for enhancing papillae number in cultured sea cucumbers through light intensity regulation.

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