Stichopus horrens isolate:PI_1 Genome sequencing and assembly. Stichopus horrens isolate:PI_1

Application of sea cucumber-based medications has been recorded in many traditions world wide as an elixir of health benefits particularly in promoting dermal wound healing. Stichopus horrens or better known as golden sea cucumber stands at the center of the species as the most sought after for its multiple health benefit claims. Stichopus horrens are well known for their regeneration and rapid tissue growth, however, little is known about the genes involved in their development, especially the molecular mechanisms responsible for rapid growth. In the present study, we analyzed the genome and transcriptome sequences of Stichopus horrens using the Illumina platform. Genome assembly contigs and sequencing data for two RNA sequencing samples of inner and outer body part of Stichopus horrens were assesed, filtered and used to predict the gene function in search of any potential therapeutic genes involved in tissue regeneration and cell proliferation. These reads were assembled by two methods; (1) genome-guided RNAseq assembly and (2) De novo RNAseq assembly. A number of highly expressed genes involved in the regulation of Stichopus horrens growth, including transcription factors, signaling molecules, and extracellular matrix proteins were obtained. Our genome-wide approach results provide a concrete basis for further investigations towards sea cucumber’s medicinal property.