The painted sea urchin, Lytechinus pictus, as a genetically-enabled developmental model

Area of Science:

• Marine biology
• Developmental biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Sea urchins are vital marine model organisms, but few species are suitable for long-term culture and genetic manipulation.
• The purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) has a long generation time, hindering transgenic research.
• Lytechinus pictus offers potential advantages, including faster maturation and larger eggs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish updated laboratory culturing protocols for Lytechinus pictus.
• To develop new genomic resources for Lytechinus pictus to facilitate molecular studies and transgenesis.
• To provide a more tractable sea urchin model for developmental and genetic research.

Main Methods:

• Updated Hinegardner's protocol for Lytechinus pictus culturing, including feeding regimes.
• Generated a Lytechinus pictus transcriptome from early developmental stages (eggs to 2-day-old plutei).
• Described a new genome resource for Lytechinus pictus.

Main Results:

• Lytechinus pictus reach the 4-armed pluteus stage in 4 days and are gravid within 6 months.
• Updated culturing methods enable efficient laboratory maintenance of Lytechinus pictus.
• A new transcriptome resource is available to support genome annotation and molecular studies.

Conclusions:

• Lytechinus pictus, with optimized culturing and new genomic resources, is a promising sea urchin model for transgenerational experiments and transgenesis.
• This work enhances the utility of Lytechinus pictus for a wider range of biological studies.
• Faster development and maturation make Lytechinus pictus a superior alternative to Strongylocentrotus purpuratus for certain research applications.