Gill transcriptome alterations in Macrobrachium rosenbergii under copper exposure.

Area of Science:

• Environmental toxicology
• Aquatic toxicology
• Molecular biology

Background:

• Copper is a common estuarine contaminant causing physiological harm to aquatic life.
• The molecular mechanisms of copper toxicity in freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) are poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the molecular mechanisms of copper immunotoxicity in the gills of Macrobrachium rosenbergii using transcriptomic analysis.
• To identify potential molecular markers for copper stress in this species.

Main Methods:

• Transcriptomic analysis of Macrobrachium rosenbergii gills after copper exposure.
• Identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their functional enrichment.
• Validation of selected immune and detoxification genes using qRT-PCR.

Main Results:

• A significant number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, with most showing down-regulation, indicating widespread gene expression inhibition.
• Functional enrichment analysis revealed that immune, detoxification, and apoptosis pathways were significantly affected by copper stress.
• Twelve immune and heavy metal detoxification-related genes were validated, suggesting a potential counter-response mechanism by the prawn.

Conclusions:

• The study provides the first report on the transcriptional stress response in Macrobrachium rosenbergii exposed to copper.
• Identified genes and pathways offer insights into copper toxicity mechanisms and can aid in biomarker discovery and stress-resistant breeding programs.