Pinna nobilis Genome sequencing and assembly

The noble pen shell Pinna nobilis is a Mediterranean endemic and emblematic giant bivalve. Already registered as an endangered species in the late 20th century, it is facing a dramatic and rapidly expanding epizooty that decimates its populations since mid-2016. The ecological value of P. nobilis has urged important investigations for conservation purposes. In light of this, we decided to sequence the genome of this animal and to release its draft genome. In addition to offering a valuable resource for further research in comparative biology and evolution, access to the draft genome sequence is central to deepen our understanding of the vulnerability of P. nobilis to new diseases, which are likely to occur more often in the current scenario of a rapidly changing environment.