Genetic adaptations of sea anemone to hydrothermal environment

Hydrothermal vent habitats are characterized by high hydrostatic pressure, darkness, and the continuous release of toxic metal ions into the surrounding environment where sea anemones and other invertebrates thrive. Nevertheless, the understanding of metazoan metal ion tolerances and environmental adaptations remains limited. We assembled a chromosome-level genome for the vent sea anemone, Alvinactis idsseensis sp. nov. Comparative genomic analyses revealed gene family expansions and gene innovations in A. idsseensis sp. nov. as a response to high concentrations of metal ions. Impressively, the metal tolerance proteins MTPs is a unique evolutionary response to the high concentrations of Fe(2+) and Mn(2+) present in the environments of these anemones. We also found genes associated with high concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids that may respond to high hydrostatic pressure and found sensory and circadian rhythm–regulated genes that were essential for adaptations to darkness. Overall, our results provide insights into metazoan adaptation to metal ions, high pressure, and darkness in hydrothermal vents.