Transcriptome analysis of Neocaridina denticulate sinensis under copper exposure

Area of Science:

• Aquatic Toxicology
• Environmental Science
• Molecular Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Neocaridina denticulate sinensis, a small freshwater shrimp, is valuable as an economic species and a model organism due to its short life cycle and accessibility.
• The impact of widespread copper (Cu2+) pollution on N. denticulate sinensis remains under-investigated, necessitating research into its physiological and molecular responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the cephalothorax transcriptome alterations in N. denticulate sinensis exposed to copper (Cu2+).
• To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their associated biological pathways in response to copper stress.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Illumina sequencing technology to analyze the transcriptome of N. denticulate sinensis after 48 hours of exposure to 2.5 μmol/L Cu2+.
• Assembled 122,512 unigenes and identified 219 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between control and copper-treated groups.
• Performed functional enrichment analysis and validated key gene expression changes using quantitative PCR (qPCR).

Main Results:

• Identified 219 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to copper exposure.
• Functional enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs were predominantly involved in immune responses (e.g., endocytosis, Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis) and molting processes (e.g., chitin metabolic process).
• Quantitative PCR (qPCR) results confirmed the accuracy of the transcriptome sequencing data.

Conclusions:

• This study presents the first report on the transcriptome of N. denticulate sinensis under copper stress.
• The findings highlight the shrimp's susceptibility to copper pollution, with significant impacts on immune and molting pathways.
• Results offer a foundation for future research into copper resistance mechanisms in N. denticulate sinensis and expand its genomic information.