Homosalate and ERK Knockdown in the Modulation of Metamorphosis by Regulating the PI3K Pathway and ERK Pathway.

Metamorphosis control is pivotal in preventing the outbreak of jellyfish, and it is often studied using common model organisms. The widespread use of the ultraviolet blocking agent homosalate in cosmetics poses a threat to marine ecosystems. Although the impact of homosalate on marine organisms has been extensively examined, there is a notable absence of research on its effects on jellyfish metamorphosis and the underlying mechanisms, warranting further investigation. In this study, we first established a study model by using 5-methoxy-2-methylindole to induce metamorphosis, and selected homosalate as a PI3K agonist and an ERK agonist, while we used YS-49 as a specific PI3K agonist, as well as ERK knockdown, to observe their effect on the metamorphosis of . The results showed that an metamorphosis model was established successfully, and the PI3K agonist homosalate, YS-49, and the knockdown of ERK molecules could significantly delay the metamorphosis development of . We propose that activating PI3K/Akt and inhibiting the ERK pathway are involved in the delayed development of , which provides a new strategy for the prevention and control of jellyfish blooms.