The genome of the crustacean Parhyale hawaiensis, a model for animal development, regeneration, immunity and lignocellulose digestion

Abstract

The amphipod crustacean <i>Parhyale hawaiensis</i> is a blossoming model system for studies of developmental mechanisms and more recently regeneration. We have sequenced the genome allowing annotation of all key signaling pathways, transcription factors, and non-coding RNAs that will enhance ongoing functional studies. <i>Parhyale</i> is a member of the Malacostraca clade, which includes crustacean food crop species. We analysed the immunity related genes of <i>Parhyale</i> as an important comparative system for these species, where immunity related aquaculture problems have increased as farming has intensified. We also find that <i>Parhyale</i> and other species within Multicrustacea contain the enzyme sets necessary to perform lignocellulose digestion ('wood eating'), suggesting this ability may predate the diversification of this lineage. Our data provide an essential resource for further development of <i>Parhyale</i> as an experimental model. The first malacostracan genome will underpin ongoing comparative work in food crop species and research investigating lignocellulose as an energy source.