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Expression and Functional Characterisation of EhSWP26 in Ecytonucleospora hepatopenaei: Insights From RNA
Huiwen Jiang1,2, Xiaohui Cao1, Yi Qiao1
1Jiangsu Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Nantong, China.
Journal of Fish Diseases
|April 2, 2026
Summary
Researchers identified EhSWP26, a novel spore wall protein crucial for Ecytonucleospora hepatopenaei (EHP) infection in shrimp. This protein is vital for spore wall formation and EHP proliferation, offering a potential target for disease management.
Area of Science:
- Aquaculture
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Ecytonucleospora hepatopenaei (EHP) causes significant growth issues in Penaeus vannamei (P. vannamei).
- The EHP spore wall is critical for survival and host invasion, but its protein composition is poorly understood.
- Understanding EHP spore wall proteins is key to elucidating its biology and pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel protein components of the EHP spore wall.
- To investigate the role of identified proteins in EHP spore formation and host infection.
- To explore potential therapeutic targets for EHP disease in P. vannamei.
Main Methods:
- Identification and cloning of the EhSWP26 gene.
- Sequence analysis to determine protein characteristics and domain conservation.
- Immunoelectron microscopy and indirect immunofluorescence assays for protein localization.
- RNA interference (RNAi) to assess the functional role of EhSWP26.
Main Results:
- A novel spore wall protein, EhSWP26, was identified, containing a conserved MICSWaP domain.
- EhSWP26 localizes to both exospore and endospore layers of mature EHP spores.
- Silencing EhSWP26 significantly reduced EHP spore load in shrimp hepatopancreas.
- EhSWP26 plays a critical role in EHP spore wall formation and host infection.
Conclusions:
- EhSWP26 is a key structural and functional component of the EHP spore wall.
- The protein is essential for EHP proliferation and infection in P. vannamei.
- EhSWP26 represents a promising target for developing diagnostics and therapeutics against EHP disease.
