Transcriptome Analysis Of Pyrocystis Lunula To Shed Light On Bioluminescence

Bioluminescence is a phenomenon that some species of dinoflagellates exhibit when disturbed. Though fundamental work in this field has shown the importance of circadian rhythm in the regulation of bioluminescence, there are few examples that explore gene regulation in response to this process. Here, we have built upon previously published work through RNA sequencing analysis to investigate the biochemical pathway of bioluminescence within the marine dinoflagellate, Pyrocystis lunula. We aim to compare differential gene expressions of proteins involved in the signaling pathway of bioluminescence based on their circadian rhythm, with a particular interest in exploring potential novel mechanoreceptors. Cultures of P. lunula were grown separately in inverse light conditions and harvested during the late exponential growth phase. RNA sequencing and subsequent transcriptome analysis have yielded genes of interest that are up-or downregulated in the cultures harvested in the dark compared to those harvested in the light. Notable systems that displayed upregulated genes in the dark phase compared to the light phase included cytoskeletal regulation, circadian rhythm, and fluid shear stress annotated using KEGG. This work has the potential to advance our understanding of the cellular mechanisms involved in bioluminescence and specific insight into eukaryotic microbial mechanosensors.