Dynamic Alternative Polyadenylation during Metamorphosis Development.

As an important mechanism in the post-transcriptional regulation of eukaryotic gene expression, alternative polyadenylation (APA) plays a key role in biological processes such as cell proliferation and differentiation. However, the role and dynamic pattern of APA during metamorphosis are poorly understood. Here, RNA-seq data covering from the embryo to the maturation (16 time points) of were utilized. We identified 247 differentially expressed APA events between early and adult stages, and through fuzzy mean clustering analysis, we discovered five dynamic APA patterns. Among them, the gradual elongation of the 3'UTR is the major APA pattern that changes over time, and its genes are enriched in the pathways of protein and energy metabolism. Finally, we constructed mRNA-miRNA and PPI networks and detected several central miRNAs that may regulate development. Our results revealed the complex APA mechanisms in metamorphosis, shedding new light on post-transcriptional regulation of crustacean metamorphosis.