Abalone genomics reveals an ancient asymmetry axis and the multifunctionality of the mantle
- Xiaotong Wang
- Chunhui Li
- Peidong Xin
- Meiwei Zhang
- Baoyu Huang
- Tiantian Chen
- Siyi Li
- Yijing Han
- Lei Wei
- Xuekai Zhang
- Yaqiong Liu
- Chenglong Zhu
- Wenjie Xu
- Zhiyong Yue
- Wenshi Xue
- Wenchao Yu
- Peng Zhang
- Lingling Li
- Mengqiang Yuan
- Deyang Tian
- Jiyan Qi
- Qiang Qiu
- Kun Wang
- Ximing Guo
- Chenguang Feng
2026-09-04
Gastropod diversification represents one of the most spectacular evolutionary radiations, underpinned by a fundamentally asymmetric body plan and diverse pigmentation patterns. To understand the genetic underpinnings of these cardinal traits, we constructed a chromosome-level genome assembly for the rainbow abalone, Haliotis iris . Integrating comparative genomics, histoembryology, and molecular assays, we identify a conserved regulatory association between the long non-coding RNA lncRNA1 and pitx that is associated with asymmetric mantle development. In H. iris , this association is supported by chromatin-contact evidence and exploratory data suggesting a possible miRNA-associated post-transcriptional component. Furthermore, we identify a wnt-mitf-tyr framework for melanogenesis and show that the mantle is the primary site of melanin synthesis. Concurrently, we identify mantle-enriched prestin genes that are vibration-responsive, consistent with a possible sensory specialization of the mantle. These findings provide molecular insight into asymmetry, pigmentation, and mantle multifunctionality in gastropods.