Gametogenesis and Hormonal Regulation in Cnidarian Systems

Gametogenesis in cnidarians encompasses the coordinated development of male and female gametes within simple body plans lacking specialised circulatory structures. In anthozoans such as corals and sea anemones, germ cells differentiate in mesenterial tissues where oocytes accumulate yolk through vitellogenesis and spermatozoa undergo morphogenesis. Hormonal regulation in these systems relies on neuropeptides and steroid‐like molecules that modulate gamete maturation, yolk incorporation and reproductive behaviours. Lipid transport across the extracellular matrix, mediated by vitellogenin and apolipoprotein‐like carriers, fuels oocyte growth, while neuropeptides such as GLWamides control muscle contraction and may influence spawning rhythms. Recent advances in transcriptomics, proteomics and functional assays have revealed evolutionarily conserved pathways of nutrient uptake, hormone signalling and receptor‐mediated endocytosis that predate the cnidarian–bilaterian split. Understanding these mechanisms is critical for coral reef restoration, for predicting responses to environmental stressors and for exploring the origins of animal reproductive endocrinology.

Research from Nature Portfolio

High‐resolution transcriptomic analyses of coral polyps have delineated tissue‐specific gene expression profiles, identifying clusters of neuropeptide receptors and steroidogenic enzymes in gonadal regions that underpin gametogenic signalling. Molecular dissection of the oogenic cycle in reef‐building corals has characterised the spatiotemporal expression of vitellogenin and its low‐density lipoprotein receptor, demonstrating coordinated lipid transport and yolk deposition during oocyte maturation. Functional studies of GLWamide preprohormones have shown that synthetic neuropeptides elicit polyp contraction in isolated tissues and whole colonies, indicating that neuropeptide‐driven myoactivity contributes to reproductive behaviours and may synchronise gamete release.

Gametogenesis and Hormonal Regulation in Cnidarian Systems publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in gametogenesis and hormonal regulation in cnidarian systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Gametogenesis: The process by which germ cells undergo differentiation into mature spermatozoa or oocytes.

Oogenesis: The subset of gametogenesis leading to the development and maturation of oocytes.

Spermatogenesis: The subset of gametogenesis involving the formation and maturation of sperm cells.

Vitellogenesis: The phase of oogenesis during which yolk proteins and lipids accumulate in the oocyte.

Vitellogenin: A large lipoprotein precursor synthesised by somatic tissues and endocytosed by oocytes as yolk.

Neuropeptide: A small proteinaceous hormone released by neurons that modulates physiological processes.

Extracellular matrix (ECM): A network of proteins and polysaccharides outside cells that mediates nutrient and signal transport.

GLWamide: A family of cnidarian neuropeptides ending in glycine–leucine–tryptophan–amide, involved in muscle contraction and larval metamorphosis.

References

1. Genome and tissue-specific transcriptomes of the large-polyp coral, Fimbriaphyllia (Euphyllia) ancora: a recipe for a coral polyp. Communications Biology (2024).
2. Evolutionarily conserved aspects of animal nutrient uptake and transport in sea anemone vitellogenesis. Current Biology (2022).
3. Molecular approaches underlying the oogenic cycle of the scleractinian coral, Acropora tenuis. Scientific Reports (2020).
4. Involvement of GLWamide neuropeptides in polyp contraction of the adult stony coral Euphyllia ancora. Scientific Reports (2020).
5. Data-Independent Acquisition-Based Quantitative Proteomics Analysis of Fertile Red Eggs and Spermatozoa in Hermatypic Coral Galaxea fascicularis: Revealing Key Proteins Related to Gamete Maturation and Fertilization. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (2024).
6. Sea Anemones Responding to Sex Hormones, Oxybenzone, and Benzyl Butyl Phthalate: Transcriptional Profiling and in Silico Modelling Provide Clues to Decipher Endocrine Disruption in Cnidarians. Frontiers in Genetics (2022).