Although decapod crustaceans are one of the most important fisheries resources with high market value, we still have only limited knowledge about their basic physiology related to growth, development, and reproduction. This is mainly due to the lack of tools to manipulate genetic information leading the phenotype changes. Recently physiological study for decapod crustaceans changed dramatically by both the development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology and RNA interference (RNAi). Significant decrease in the cost for reading genome or transcriptome allowed the even single lab can manage the omics-level study about the non-model system, decapod crustaceans. As genomic and transcriptomic data increased, we are able to screen novel genes in decapod crustaceans related to growth and development. As another useful tool, gene silencing through RNAi is gaining momentum for decapod crustaceans. RNAi has proven instrumental in a growing number of crustacean species, revealing the functionality of novel crustacean genes. Major research topics in decapod crustaceans include immune response, reproduction, development, homeostasis, molting and growth, and environmental stress. In addition to any changes in phenotype, tanscriptomic analysis induced by the specific gene knockdown by RNAi extended our knowledge of physiological responses of novel crustacean genes. Those new techniques extend our knowledge about crustacean physiology providing the basis for increasing productivity of decapod crustaceans.

• Hyun-Woo Kim(Department of Marine Biology, Pukyong National University)