TrBase: A genome and transcriptome database of Temnopleurus reevesii

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Genomics
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Sea urchins are valuable model organisms in biological research.
• Their utility in genetics is hampered by long breeding cycles, limiting genetic studies.
• Existing model species like Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus have published genomes but also long breeding cycles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a new sea urchin model organism suitable for genetic research.
• To sequence and assemble the draft genome of Temnopleurus reevesii.
• To create accessible genomic databases for T. reevesii and related species.

Main Methods:

• Whole-genome sequencing and assembly of Temnopleurus reevesii.
• Gene identification and expression analysis across developmental stages.
• Development of the TrBase and WestPac-SUGDB genome databases.

Main Results:

• A draft genome for T. reevesii was assembled into 28,742 scaffolds (N50: 67.6 kb), with an estimated size of 905.9 Mb.
• 27,064 genes were identified, with 23,624 expressed during development.
• The TrBase and WestPac-SUGDB databases were established, providing genomic data for T. reevesii and H. pulcherrimus.

Conclusions:

• Temnopleurus reevesii is a promising new model sea urchin for genetic research due to its short breeding cycle.
• The newly sequenced genome and established databases facilitate genetic, comparative genomics, and evolutionary studies.
• These resources will advance research on sea urchins, particularly those in the Western Pacific.