We have established a comprehensive transcriptomic database of the Eastern rock lobster Sagmariasus verreuxi. This database contains annotated information of transcripts sequenced from developmental stages throughout metamorphosis as well as adult tissues. Using digital gene expression we obtained an estimation of the quantity of each transcript in each stage/tissue. This enables us to highlight stage- and tissue-specific expression of an array of novel genes, as well as annotated ones. Screening based on conserved domains and motifs enabled the identification of novel peptide hormone-encoding transcripts, which hold great commercial merit in crustacean aquaculture. Novel neuropeptide-encoding transcripts were identified, covering most known neuropeptide classes in crustaceans. Our screening has also revealed for the first time in the commercially important group of decapod crustaceans an insulin-like peptide that is not the androgenic hormone. Screening of the stages revealed over 1,000 transcripts that differentially express throughout metamorphosis. These transcripts encode cuticular proteins, proteins involved in metabolism, sensory proteins such as G protein-coupled receptors, transcription regulators and unknown proteins. Through close examination of our database and cross-referencing the transcripts that have known annotations with stage- and tissue-specific expression patterns, we anticipate that a clearer picture of the overall function of each tissue and the transcripts which facilitate metamorphosis will be obtained.
Relation
2014 University Research Conference: Communicate, Collaborate, Connect, Sunshine Coast, Australia 14-18 July 2014