First Crustacean Genome Sequenced

Daphnia pulex is the first crustacean to have its genome sequenced, done by the Daphnia Genomics Consortium. This led to a surprising discovery by the University of Gothenburg, that the genome of Daphnia contains neurotrophins, indicating that its nervous system is more complex than previously believed.

"In mammals, neurotrophins play a role in learning, memory and development of the nervous system. For a long time, researchers considered neurotrophins and their receptors to be characteristic of vertebrates, but that is not the case," says Karen Wilson of the Department of Marine Ecology, University of Gothenburg, who is a member of the consortium.

Previous studies have shown that neurotrophins and their receptors in mammals are sensitive to oxygen deficiency, environment degradation, and toxins. Thus, this may imply that the behavior of crustaceans could be affected by climate change, acidification, and pollution.

Read more at http://www.science.gu.se/english/News/News_detail/surprising-results-in-the-first-genome-sequencing-of-a-crustacean.cid982928.