Image Credit: Aki Ohdera
The genome sequence and gene prediction of Cassiopea xamachana have not been determined by the Joint Genome Institute (JGI), but were provided by Aki Ohdera on June 10, 2019. In order to allow comparative analyses with other genomes sequenced by the JGI, a copy of this genome is incorporated into the JGI Genome Portal. Please note that this copy of the genome is not maintained by Aki Ohdera and is therefore not automatically updated. JGI tools were used to automatically annotate predicted proteins.
The emerging model organism upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea xamachana is gaining traction as a system in which to study the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying cnidarian-algal symbiosis. Similar to reef building corals, the upside-down jellyfish forms a mutualism with photosynthetic dinoflagellates of the family Symbiodiniaceae. With coral reefs in decline worldwide, elucidating how establishment, maintenance, and breakdown of the symbiosis is controlled is critical to reef conservation. Despite the urgency, there are currently no well-established system that allows researchers to manipulate the host genetics and interrogate the association at the molecular level. Therefore, we have improved the genome of Cassiopea xamachana (T1-A). With the development of molecular tools, Cassiopea is rising as an important model for cnidarian-algal symbiosis. Furthermore, Cassiopea continues to gain traction as a study system in a broad array of fields, including behavior, fluid dynamics, ecology, and development.
