RNA sequencing of photosensitive tissues of a migrating, bioluminescent shrimp

In this study, the oplophorid Systellaspis debilis was either collected pre-sunset (Day) from 450-750 m, or pre-dawn (Night) from 150-330 m to ensure sampling across the vertical distributional range of the animal's diel vertical migration. The goal of this project was to build de novo transcriptomes for the light sensitive tissues, eyes and photophores (bioluminescent light organs), that were sequenced discretely and assembled de novo from the Day/Night specimens. These data were used to characterize visual and light interaction genes within an evolutionary context and conduct differential gene expression analyses associated with diel vertical migration.