Autophagy in aquatic animals: mechanisms, implications, and future directions

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Aquatic Biology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Autophagy is a vital cellular process for homeostasis and stress adaptation in eukaryotes.
• In aquatic animals, autophagy is key to responding to environmental stressors and pathogens, impacting aquaculture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review autophagy regulation and function in aquatic species.
• To highlight environmental triggers, host responses, and research gaps in aquaculture species.
• To evaluate potential applications for sustainable aquaculture.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing current knowledge on autophagy in aquatic animals.
• Emphasis on molecular pathways, environmental triggers (temperature, salinity, hypoxia, pollutants), and host-pathogen interactions.
• Exploration of model systems (e.g., zebrafish) and economically important aquaculture species.

Main Results:

• Autophagy plays a central role in aquatic animal adaptation to environmental changes and infections.
• Model systems have advanced understanding, but knowledge gaps exist for key aquaculture species.
• Potential applications include autophagy modulators, probiotics, and CRISPR/Cas9 for disease management.

Conclusions:

• Further research into selective autophagy and species-specific mechanisms is needed.
• Integrating advanced techniques like multi-omics and functional genetics is essential.
• Autophagy-based innovations hold promise for sustainable aquaculture development and environmental monitoring.