Scientists are one step closer to combating the coral-destroying starfish following a study by the University of Queensland in Australia into the genetics of the pest.

In the study, published this week in the scientific journal PLOS Biology, the results of the genetic analysis of the toxic invertebrates that feed on corals found on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia were presented.

In addition, gene expression was also analyzed, which is the process by which the information encoded in a gene is used to create a functional gene product, such as a protein or ribonucleic acid.

Seasonal tissue-specific gene expression in wild crown-of-thorns starfish reveals reproductive and stress-related transcriptional systems
The crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS), a notorious consumer of corals and destroyer of coral reefs, reproduces exclusively in the summer. This study reveals seasonal changes in COTS gene expression, providing molecular leads for novel biocontrol methods by revealing new insights into circannual biological rhythms in tropical oceans.
PLOS BiologyMarie Morin ,

"We identified more than 2,000 protein-coding genes that changed significantly between summer and winter," said Marie Morin, a researcher at the University of Queensland and the study's first author, in a statement.

The research team also found ways to isolate the genes that communicate during the starfish's reproduction process.

"By understanding how the crown-of-thorns starfish's genes work, it is possible to unravel the mechanisms underlying its main behaviors and find ways to prevent it from reproducing," says Morin.

The director of the COTS Control Innovation Program, Mary Bonin, said that although the crown-of-thorns starfish is native to the Great Barrier Reef, outbreaks are a major threat and coral protection is essential for the long-term health and prevalence of the reef.

"This research paves the way for the development of new control tools to help tackle this threat to reef health," said Bonin.

The next stage of the study will involve further genetic analysis and possibly the development of natural pest control measures on the Great Barrier Reef.