The American lobster genome reveals insights on longevity, neural, and immune adaptations
Jennifer M. Polinski, Aleksey V. Zimin, K. Fraser Clark, Andrea B. Kohn, Norah Sadowski, Winston Timp, Andrey Ptitsyn, Prarthana Khanna, Daria Y. Romanova, Peter D. Williams, Spencer J. Greenwood, Leonid L. Moroz, David R. Walt, Andrea G. Bodnar
Abstract
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.