The American lobster genome reveals insights on longevity, neural, and immune adaptations
Polinski, J.M.; Zimin, A.V.; Clark, K.F.; Kohn, A.B.; Sadowski, N.; Timp, W.; Ptitsyn, A.; Khanna, P.; Romanova, D.Y.; Williams, P.; Greenwood, S.J.; Moroz, L.L.; Walt, D.R.; Bodnar, A.G. (2021). The American lobster genome reveals insights on longevity, neural, and immune adaptations. Science Advances 7(26): eabe8290. https://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abe8290
In: Science Advances. AAAS: New York. ISSN 2375-2548; e-ISSN 2375-2548, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Polinski, J.M.
- Zimin, A.V.
- Clark, K.F.
- Kohn, A.B.
- Sadowski, N.
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- Timp, W.
- Ptitsyn, A.
- Khanna, P.
- Romanova, D.Y.
- Williams, P.
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- Greenwood, S.J.
- Moroz, L.L.
- Walt, D.R.
- Bodnar, A.G.
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| Abstract |
The American lobster, Homarus americanus, is integral to marine ecosystems and supports an important commercial fishery. This iconic species also serves as a valuable model for deciphering neural networks controlling rhythmic motor patterns and olfaction. Here, we report a high-quality draft assembly of the H. americanus genome with 25,284 predicted gene models. Analysis of the neural gene complement revealed extraordinary development of the chemosensory machinery, including a profound diversification of ligand-gated ion channels and secretory molecules. The discovery of a novel class of chimeric receptors coupling pattern recognition and neurotransmitter binding suggests a deep integration between the neural and immune systems. A robust repertoire of genes involved in innate immunity, genome stability, cell survival, chemical defense, and cuticle formation represents a diversity of defense mechanisms essential to thrive in the benthic marine environment. Together, these unique evolutionary adaptations contribute to the longevity and ecological success of this long-lived benthic predator. |
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