Abstract
This study investigates the molecular responses of Chinese shrimp (Fenneropenaeus chinensis) to low salinity stress, employing RNA-seq and functional enrichment analyses. A total of 12,332 expressed genes were identified, with 227 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) detected, revealing intricate adaptive responses in gill tissues. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted DEGs associated with ion-transport regulation, bio-metabolism and detoxification (based on GO terms). The upregulation of ATP1A1, SLC26A2, and STK39 suggested a pivotal role of ion-transport regulation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining osmotic balance. In terms of bio-metabolism, ENPP6, GLS, and DMGDH exhibited significant upregulation, indicating adjustments in energy metabolism for low-salinity adaptation. Notably, the downregulation of GSTO1 and CTH raised questions about detoxification pathways, potentially reflecting adaptations or compromises in response to low salinity. Further correlation network analysis highlighted key genes like GLS, STK39, SESN1, and SARDH, revealing intricate relationships among DEGs. RT-qPCR validation confirmed the consistency of gene expression patterns with RNA-seq results. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying Chinese shrimp responses to low salinity stress. The identified genes lay the groundwork for targeted interventions and strategies to enhance shrimp aquaculture system resilience amid changing salinity levels.
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.
Footnotes
This revised manuscript updates several key areas to enhance clarity and comprehensiveness. Author contributions have been detailed more explicitly. Rongchen Liu and Hui Jiang are recognized for their critical analysis and interpretation of sequencing results. The funding section now includes the National Natural Science Foundation of China grant and additional sponsorships, highlighting the support integral to the research's success. The data availability statement has been added, directing readers to the NCBI SRA database for access to the study's datasets. Supplementary materials have been incorporated, offering deeper insights into functional annotations, differential analysis, and enrichment analysis results. The discussion section expands on the molecular mechanisms of ion-transport regulation, bio-metabolism, and detoxification in response to low salinity stress, providing a more nuanced understanding of the shrimp's adaptive responses. Conclusions have been refined to emphasize the study's significance in aquaculture resilience and the potential for targeted interventions. The references have been updated for accuracy and currency, ensuring the manuscript's reliability. Figures and tables have been revised for better illustration of the study's findings, including a detailed RT-qPCR validation section. The acknowledgments section now recognizes additional contributors, including those who offered linguistic and technical support. These revisions aim to improve the manuscript's integrity, ensuring it meets rigorous scientific standards and effectively contributes to the field of aquatic research.
