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A High-quality Reference Genome and Tissue Expression Atlas for the European Lobster (Homarus gammarus)
Josephine R Paris1, Tom L Jenkins1, Joan Ferrer Obiol2,3
1Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
Genome Biology and Evolution
|June 5, 2026
Summary
Researchers sequenced the European lobster genome, revealing insights into its immunity and longevity. This genomic resource aids understanding of lobster biology and supports sustainable fisheries.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Genomics
- Crustacean Research
Background:
- Homarid lobsters exhibit exceptional immunity and longevity, with lifespans up to 80 years.
- A reference genome exists for the American lobster (Homarus americanus), but not for the ecologically and economically important European lobster (Homarus gammarus).
- This gap hinders research into European lobster biology, fisheries, and aquaculture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate a high-quality genome assembly and annotation for the European lobster (Homarus gammarus).
- To characterize gene expression across multiple tissues, creating a gene expression atlas.
- To investigate the genetic basis of lobster longevity and immunity through comparative genomics.
Main Methods:
- High-quality genome assembly and annotation of the European lobster.
- Analysis of a multi-tissue RNA-sequencing dataset for gene expression profiling.
- Comparative genomic analysis using single-copy orthologues to estimate divergence times.
Main Results:
- A 1.76 Gb genome assembly with a scaffold N50 of 1.82 Mb and 97.6% BUSCO completeness was generated.
- 51.8% of the genome comprises repetitive elements, explaining the discrepancy with flow cytometry estimates.
- 23,223 protein-coding genes were annotated, and a tissue gene expression atlas was created (www.LobsterGeneX.com).
- Estimated divergence time between H. gammarus and H. americanus at 26 Mya.
- Identified lobster-specific gene duplications linked to immunity and longevity, including telomere maintenance genes.
Conclusions:
- The high-quality European lobster genome provides a crucial resource for understanding homarid biology.
- Genomic insights support research into lobster immunity, longevity, and evolutionary adaptations.
- This resource will aid in developing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices for European lobsters.
