The genome of the Mediterranean red coral, Corallium rubrum, a species long revered for its historical and ecological significance while being highly prized for its beauty, has been successfully sequenced by researchers at the Centre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM).

Precious to people as far back as the Neolithic Era, Mediterranean red coral, or Corallium rubrum, is an endangered species.

Now, however, thanks to developments made by the CSM, where its genome has been sequenced, there is hope for finding ways to preserve this marine treasure.

Known as the first coral species to lend its name to all others, “Precious Coral” has been used symbolically in jewellery-making and traditional medicine for millennia. Beyond its human value, C. rubrum plays a foundational role in the Mediterranean’s coralligenous ecosystem, a complex underwater habitat found in the Mediterranean that is rich in biodiversity and productivity. Overfishing and the impacts of climate change have dramatically reduced red coral populations, prompting the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to classify it as an endangered species.

To support conservation efforts, a team from the CSM-Chanel Precious Coral Biology Research Unit collected a colony of red coral near Banyuls-sur-Mer. The team of scientists and researchers then sequenced its genome with support from Chanel and the Paul Hamel Foundation. The project involved collaboration with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory’s Genecore team in Germany and the Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division at the Red Sea Research Centre in Saudi Arabia.

Decoding the genetic blueprint of red coral is a crucial step toward understanding its unique biological traits, including the formation of its vibrant skeleton and its genetic diversity. This information provides insights into the species’ ecological and evolutionary history, aiding the development of effective conservation strategies to safeguard this marine organism against further environmental threats.

This effort complements other pioneering initiatives led by the CSM, including a groundbreaking project that successfully facilitated the birth of 250 juvenile red corals in Monaco’s waters.

These achievements mark significant progress in preserving C. rubrum, as it faces ongoing challenges from global warming and over-exploitation.

Read related:

A wave of hope as 250 baby red corals are born in Monaco’s waters

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Photo source: CSM