Long non-coding RNAs in the sponge Sycon ciliatum

We have investigated the repertoire of long non-coding RNA molecules (lncRNAs) in the sponge Sycon ciliatum. Long non-coding RNA molecules have been shown to be highly important for gene regulation in several model organisms. In particular they are involved in epigenetic regulation, cell differentiation and developmental control. lncRNAs have mostly been studied in model organisms, and little is known about the extent of lncRNAs in basal metazoan lineages. As the sponges are among the earliest animal lineages to evolve, it is important to know which gene regulatory mechanisms are present in these species. In my talk I will present preliminary results from an RNA sequencing project of different developmental stages of S. cililatum. We have identified a set of candidate non-protein coding transcripts, and confirmed a tissue specific expression in different developmental stages for a few of these genes by in situ hybridization. This points to a role for these lncRNAs in sponge development.