Application of proteomics in shrimp and shrimp aquaculture

Since proteins play an important role in the life of an organism, many researchers are now looking at how genes and proteins interact to form different proteins. It is anticipated that the creation of adequate tools for rapid analysis of proteins will accelerate the determination of functional aspects of these biomolecules and develop new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. Though shrimp contains high-quality marine proteins, there are reports about the heavy losses to the shrimp industry due to the poor quality of shrimp production and many times due to mass mortality also. Frequent outbreaks of diseases, water pollution, and quality of feed are some of the most recognized reasons for such losses. In the seafood export market, shrimp occupies the top position in currency earnings and strengthens the economy of many developing nations. Therefore, it is vital for shrimp-producing companies they produce healthy shrimp with high-quality protein. Though aquaculture is a very competitive market, global awareness regarding the use of scientific knowledge and emerging technologies to obtain better-farmed organisms through sustainable production has enhanced the importance of proteomics in seafood biology research. Proteomics, as a powerful tool, has therefore been increasingly used to address several issues in shrimp aquaculture. In the present paper, efforts have been made to address some of them, particularly the role of proteomics in reproduction, breeding and spawning, immunological responses and disease resistance capacity, nutrition and health, microbiome and probiotics, quality and safety of shrimp production, bioinformatics applications in proteomics, the discovery of protein biomarkers, and mitigating biotic and abiotic stresses. Future challenges and research directions on proteomics in shrimp aquaculture have also been discussed.