Comparative genomics of genes associated with local adaptation in non-indigenous species

Non-indigenous species can pose significant ecological threats by outcompeting native species, disrupting local ecosystems and altering food webs. Among these, ctenophores (comb jellies) are known to establish and spread rapidly, often with considerable ecological impacts. Successful invasions often depend on local adaptation to specific environmental conditions such as salinity, light or temperature. Here, we use a comparative genomics approach to analyze the genomes of several ctenophore species, native and invasive to northern Europe. By taking advantage of the recent availability of fully annotated genomes, we interrogate the genomes for the presence/absence and percentage identify of key genes related to potential invasion traits. We identify bioluminescence as important target for successful invasions and discuss the implications in an invasion context.