First Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of a Ribbon Worm from the Hoplonemertea Clade, Emplectonema gracile, and Its...

Area of Science:

• Marine invertebrate genomics
• Evolutionary developmental biology
• Nemertean biology

Background:

• Genome-wide data is lacking for Hoplonemertea, a major ribbon worm clade.
• Hoplonemertea differ from their sister clade Pilidiophora in larval form and proboscis armature (stylets).
• Genomic data is essential for comparative studies on Nemertea development, physiology, and behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a high-quality, annotated, chromosome-level genome assembly for a Hoplonemertea species.
• To facilitate future research in molecular ecology, venom evolution, and regeneration within Nemertea and other marine invertebrates.

Main Methods:

• Chromosome-level genome assembly using Hi-C scaffolding.
• Annotation of protein-coding genes.
• Assessment of genome quality against Earth BioGenome standards.

Main Results:

• A 157.9 Mb genome assembly for Emplectonema gracile.
• Chromosome-level scaffolds with an N50 of 10.0 Mb.
• Annotation of 20,684 protein-coding genes, with high BUSCO completeness (95.1%).
• Achieved Earth BioGenome standard level of 7.C.Q50.

Conclusions:

• The high-quality genome assembly of Emplectonema gracile is a valuable resource for Nemertea research.
• This genomic data will advance understanding of evolutionary pathways and biological innovations in marine invertebrates.