Sexual reproduction in stony corals and insight into the evolution of oogenesis in Cnidaria.

Abstract

The sexual reproduction of stony corals has long captivated the attention of researchers and has been studied in many species and locations worldwide. Although fundamental findings and research interests were revealed during the past three decades, the intrinsic mechanisms of sexual reproduction remain almost unknown. In this chapter, we review recent progress in molecular and cellular aspects of the sexual reproduction of scleractinians, with a particular focus on oogenesis. We describe some common characteristics in the molecular and cellular mechanisms of oogenesis between scleractinians and oviparous bilaterian animals to provide insight into the evolution of cnidarian oogenesis. The conclusions are presented as a list of important issues to be addressed in the future to improve understanding of the intimate mechanisms of sexual reproduction of stony corals.