Iso-seq analysis and functional annotation of the Santa Fe cave crayfish (Procambarus erythrops) transcriptome

Our goal with this project was to sequence and produce a first generation annotation of the full-length transcriptome for Procambarus erythrops using Single Molecule Real-Time Sequencing (PacBio). In doing so, we aim to contribute full-length transcriptomic data to existing resources for freshwater crayfish species to allow for further research into crayfish evolution and adaptation. The genus Procambarus represents a diverse genus of freshwater crayfish that includes epigean species, stygobitic species, and at least one parthenogenic species. Despite its evolutionary, ecological, and economic importance, most genomic and transcriptomic resources for this genus are limited to a couple of model species. We sequenced the transcriptome of a non-model species, P. erythrops, a geographically restricted stygobitic species from Florida. RNA isolated from gill, muscle and eye tissue was pooled to create a de novo transcriptome assembly using Single Molecule Real-Time sequencing (PacBio), resulting in 19,442 full-length isoforms. These data will make an important contribution to the comparative study of transcriptome evolution in crayfish and crustaceans.