Opsanus beta Genome sequencing and assembly
An improved reference genome for the model teleost Opsanus beta, common name Gulf Toadfish. O. beta is a model organism for the study of whole animal physiology, molecular biology, endocrinology pharmacology, behavior, and toxicology. This project is an effort to improve upon previous attempts at whole genome sequencing and assembly in O. beta with state of the art, PacBio SMRT long read technology in order to make molecular and bioinformatic analyses possible in this model organism. The proximal goal of this project is to enable identification of genes relevant to serotonin production, transport, and metabolism in O. beta.