Transcriptomes of Homarus americanus hepatopancreas linked to Vibrio splendidus challenge
The American lobster (Homarus americanus) shows resistance to Vibrio splendidus, a pathogen known to cause mortality in other marine invertebrates. To investigate this resilience, we conducted RNA-Seq analysis on the lobster's hepatopancreas, a key immune organ, revealing over 1,200 differentially expressed genes, including 72 linked to immune or stress responses. Several anti-lipopolysaccharide factors (ALFs), serum amyloid A-5-like proteins, and crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) genes showed significant changes in expression. These findings suggest that lobsters may mount a specialized immune response to V. splendidus, offering new insights into crustacean immunity and highlighting mechanisms of disease resistance in marine species.