A Preliminary Comparative Study of Sex-Related Genes in Different Developmental Stages of Rhopilema esculentum Across Various Generations

A comparative transcriptome analysis of five groups of Rhopilema esculentum, including polyps, young medusae, immature medusae, adult females, and adult males, yielded a total of 47 sex-related genes. After further analyzing the expression differences among these genes, we screened 16 candidate genes that were more likely to have sex-related functions in R. esculentum. These genes were classified into three major categories: sex determination and regulatory genes, female development-related genes, and male development- and functional maintenance-related genes. 1) Ten genes related to sex determination and regulation were identified. These genes have been found to be involved in sex regulation in various fish and mammals and may also be sex determination-related genes in R. esculentum. 2) Two genes were found to be associated with female gonad development. In mice, these genes participate in the development of ovarian follicles. 3) Four genes were related to male gonad development and functional maintenance. The aforementioned 16 genes are of particular interest in relation to R. esculentum sex determination and development, providing valuable insights for studies related to sex determination and evolution. Additionally, this set of genes offers potential candidate target genes for R. esculentum asexual reproduction breeding techniques.