ABSTRACT
The American lobster, Homarus americanus, is integral to marine ecosystems and supports an important commercial fishery. This iconic species also serves as a valuable model for deciphering neural networks controlling rhythmic motor patterns and olfaction. Here, we report a high-quality draft assembly of the H. americanus genome with 25,284 predicted gene models. Analysis of the neural gene complement revealed extraordinary development of the chemosensory machinery, including a profound diversification of ligand-gated ion channels and secretory molecules. The discovery of a novel class of chimeric receptors coupling pattern recognition and neurotransmitter binding suggests a deep integration between the neural and immune systems. A robust repertoire of genes involved in innate immunity, genome stability, cell survival, chemical defense, and cuticle formation represents a diversity of defense mechanisms essential to thrive in the benthic marine environment. Together, these unique evolutionary adaptations contribute to the longevity and ecological success of this long-lived benthic predator.
Subject(s)
Longevity , Nephropidae , Animals , Ecosystem , Longevity/genetics , Nephropidae/genetics , Nephropidae/metabolism , Nervous SystemABSTRACT
We report our clinical experience treating a 2-month-old infant with congenital diaphragmatic hernia who experienced prolonged bacteremia with Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) despite conventional antibiotic therapy and appropriate source control measures. The infection resolved after initiation of ceftazidime-avibactam. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the isolate most closely resembled B. contaminans and identified the mechanism of resistance that likely contributed to clinical cure with this agent. Ceftazidime-avibactam should be considered salvage therapy for Bcc infections if other treatment options have been exhausted.