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Comparative somatic genomics reveals divergent development of cell lineages across scleractinian corals

Conn, T.; Reusch, T. B. H.; Werner, B.; Baums, I.

2026-05-21 genomics
10.64898/2026.05.19.726040 bioRxiv
Show abstract

Somatic mutations may drive adaptation and aging across diverse life forms, yet their role remains poorly understood in many early-branching animals. Here, we compare somatic mutation accumulation in the robust coral Orbicella faveolata with previous findings in the complex coral Acropora palmata. Whole-genome sequencing revealed high fixation of somatic genetic variants in O. faveolata, particularly in older, interior regions of colonies--contrasting with A. palmata. These patterns suggest distinct cell population dynamics between clades, indicating a segregated, mammal-like germline in O. faveolata, whereas such a germline remains undetected in A. palmata. This underscores the diversity of somatic evolutionary mechanisms across scleractinian corals.

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