Isolation and Identification of Inter-Correlated Genes from the Invasive Sun Corals Tubastraea Coccinea and Tubastraea Tagusensis (Scleractinia, Cnidaria)

<i>Tubastraea coccinea</i> and <i>T. tagusensis</i>, commonly known as sun corals, are two species of stony corals (Scleractinia, Dendrophylliidae) native to the Indo-Pacific region (<i>T. coccinea</i>) and the Galapagos Islands (<i>T. tagusensis</i>), respectively. They are considered highly invasive species, particularly in the Western Atlantic Ocean, due to high adaptability to various ecological conditions and notable resilience. Given their demonstrated invasiveness, it is important to delve into their physiology and the molecular bases supporting their resilience. However, to date, only a few molecular tools are available for the study of these organisms. The primary objective of the present study was the development of an efficient RNA extraction protocol for <i>Tubastraea coccinea</i> and <i>T.a tagusensis</i> samples collected off Ilha Grande Bay, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). The quantity of isolated RNA was evaluated using NanoDrop, while its purity and quality were determined by evaluating the A260/A280 and A260/230 ratios. Subsequently, based on genes known for <i>T. coccinea</i>, two housekeeping genes and seven stress response-related genes were isolated and characterized, for the first time for both species, using a molecular approach. An interactomic analysis was also conducted, which revealed functional interactions among these genes. This study represents the first report on gene networks in <i>Tubastraea</i> spp., opening new perspectives for understanding the chemical ecology and the cellular mechanisms underlying the invasiveness of these species. The results obtained will be useful for ecological conservation purposes, contributing to the formulation of strategies to limit their further expansion.