Transcriptome analysis endoplasmic reticulum-stress response in Litopenaeus vannamei hemocytes

Area of Science:

• Aquaculture
• Immunology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress is a known contributor to aquatic animal diseases.
• Understanding environmental stress responses is vital for disease prevention in aquaculture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of ER-stress on gene expression in the shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei.
• To identify key genes and pathways involved in ER-stress response and immunity.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Illumina HiSeq based RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) to analyze gene expression profiles.
• Compared gene expression in hemocytes treated with Thapsigargin (ER-stress inducer) versus DMSO (control).
• Performed KEGG pathway analysis to identify enriched biological functions.

Main Results:

• Identified 286 upregulated and 473 downregulated unigenes in response to ER-stress.
• Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were primarily associated with ER-stress, immune function, and metabolism.
• Highlighted the immune-related DEG Prophenoloxidase activating enzyme 2 (LvPPAE2) in shrimp anti-pathogen immunity.

Conclusions:

• ER-stress significantly alters gene expression in Litopenaeus vannamei, affecting immune and metabolic pathways.
• ER-stress impacts on immune genes may be a key factor in environmental stress-induced shrimp diseases.
• This research provides a foundation for understanding shrimp environmental adaptation and immune responses.