Transcript annotation of Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) using Iso-seq and RNA-seq data

Area of Science:

• Aquatic Biology
• Genomics
• Conservation Genetics

Background:

• The Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) is critically endangered, primarily inhabiting the Yangtze River.
• Conservation strategies often involve artificial propagation, but genomic data is scarce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform full-length transcriptomic sequencing of Chinese sturgeon.
• To identify long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and coding sequences (CDS).
• To analyze gene expression profiles and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across tissues.

Main Methods:

• PacBio Iso-seq and RNA-seq were employed on 10 Chinese sturgeon tissues.
• Cluster analysis of gene families and phylogenetic analysis of 14 species were conducted.
• Identification of lncRNAs, CDS, and analysis of gene expression profiles.

Main Results:

• 19,538 full-length transcripts were obtained, ranging from 51 bp to 7,033 bp.
• lncRNAs and CDS were identified in all analyzed tissues.
• Gene expression profiles and DEGs were analyzed across the 10 tissues.

Conclusions:

• This study provides valuable full-length transcript sequences and gene expression profiles for Chinese sturgeon.
• The generated data will support future functional genomic studies and aid in understanding the genetic basis of endangerment.
• These resources are vital for developing effective conservation strategies for the Chinese sturgeon.