Transcriptomic Insights into Post-Spawning Death and Muscle Atrophy in Ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis)

In semelparous species like the ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis), spawning is followed by rapid physiological decline and death; yet, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unexplored. This study examines transcriptomic changes in ayu skeletal muscle before and after spawning, with a focus on key genes and pathways contributing to muscle atrophy and metabolic dysfunction. Through RNA sequencing and DEG analysis, we identified over 3000 DEGs, and GSEA and KEGG pathway analysis revealed significant downregulation of energy metabolism and protein degradation. In post-spawning ayu, a rapid decrease in body weight was observed, accompanied by a decline in the expression of myosin heavy chain genes, which are major muscle protein genes, and gene expression changes indicative of muscle atrophy. Decreased expression of AP-1 transcription factors associated with muscle development and aging was also evident. PPI network analysis identified carbohydrate catabolism protein gapdh may be the key factor that led to muscle atrophy and accelerated aging in ayu. Our study revealed that after spawning, the ayu muscle tissue undergoes strong metabolic disorders and cellular stress responses, providing special insights into the mechanisms through the post-spawning death of ayu.