Integrated gene co-expression network analysis reveals unique developmental processes of Aurelia aurita

Abstract

The typical life cycle of the moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) includes the planula, polyp, strobila, ephyra, and medusa developmental stages. These stages exhibit huge differences in both external morphology and internal physiological functions. However, the gene co-expression network involved in these post-embryonic developmental processes has not been studied yet. Here, based on 15 RNA sequencing samples covering all five stages of the A. aurita life cycle, we systematically analyzed the gene co-expression network and obtained 35 relevant modules. Furthermore, we identified the highly correlated modules and hub genes for each stage. These hub genes are implicated to play important roles in the developmental processes of A. aurita, which should help improve our understanding of the jellyfish life cycle.