Transcriptomic analysis of adaptive mechanisms in response to sudden salinity drop in the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain

Abstract

BackgroundScylla paramamosain (Crustacea: Decapoda: Portunidae: Syclla De Hann) is a commercially important mud crab distributed along the coast of southern China and other Indo-Pacific countries (Lin Z, Hao M, Zhu D, et al, Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 208-209:29–37, 2017; Walton ME, Vay LL, Lebata JH, et al, Estuar Coast Shelf Sci 66(3–4):493–500, 2006; Wang Z, Sun B, Zhu F, Fish Shellfish Immunol 67:612–9, 2017). While S. paramamosain is a euryhaline species, a sudden drop in salinity induces a negative impact on growth, molting, and reproduction, and may even cause death. The mechanism of osmotic regulation of marine crustaceans has been recently under investigation. However, the mechanism of adapting to a sudden drop in salinity has not been reported.MethodsIn this study, transcriptomics analysis was conducted on the gills of S. paramamosain to test its adaptive capabilities over 120 h with a sudden drop in salinity from 23 ‰ to 3 ‰.ResultsAt the level of transcription, 135 DEGs (108 up-regulated and 27 down-regulated) annotated by NCBI non-redundant (nr) protein database were screened. GO analysis showed that the catalytic activity category showed the most participating genes in the 24 s-tier GO terms, indicating that intracellular metabolic activities in S. paramamosain were enhanced. Of the 164 mapped KEGG pathways, seven of the top 20 pathways were closely related to regulation of the Na+ / K+ -ATPase. Seven additional amino acid metabolism-related pathways were also found, along with other important signaling pathways.ConclusionIon transport and amino acid metabolism were key factors in regulating the salinity adaptation of S. paramamosain in addition to several important signaling pathways.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-4803-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Identification and characterization of miRNAs in the gills of the mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) in response to a sudden drop in salinity

“…In our previous study, transcriptomic analysis was conducted on the gills (an important organ in osmoregulation of marine crustaceans) of S. paramamosain to reveal the adaptive mechanisms in response to sudden salinity drop under normal conditions (23‰ salinity) and stress conditions caused by a sudden drop in salinity (3‰) [ 44 ]. The functional genomic studies of DEGs obtained from Wang et al, [ 44 ] allow for a better understanding of various physiological responses in marine crustaceans induced by a sudden drop in salinity. As we all know, microRNAs play a very important role in regulating the expression of functional genes.…”

Effects of salinity on the ions important and sodium‐potassium ATPase in osmoregulation, cortisol, amino acids, digestive and immune enzymes in Scylla paramamosain during indoor overwintering

“…Salinity is an important factor affecting osmoregulation in S. paramamosain (Wang, Tang, Wei, Lu, Mu, et al, 2018; Wang, Wei, et al, 2019). Ion concentrations (K + , Cl ‐ and Na + ) and Na + /K + ‐ATPase activity are important indicators reflecting osmoregulation ability (Geng, Tian, et al, 2016; Geng, Tong, Jiang, & Xu, 2016; Nanba et al., 2012).…”

“…Salinity is also one of the important environmental factors influencing overwintering in S. paramamosain (Zhen & Shao, 2001). S. paramamosain is a euryhaline crab (Wang, Tang, Wei, Lu, Mu, et al, 2018; Wang et al., 2018a, b; Wang, Wei, et al, 2019); however, previous studies on the effects of salinity on osmotic pressure, plasma cortisol, digestive, immunity and amino acid of crabs have mainly focused on a sharp change (Lu, Zhuang, Feng, Zhang, & Wang, 2011). However, there are few studies on the effects of long‐term gradual changes in salinity on S. paramamosain .…”

Transcriptome Analysis of Genes and Pathways Associated With Metabolism in Scylla Paramamosain Under Different Light Intensities During Indoor Overwintering

“…In 2018, the yield of S. paramamosain increased to 157,712 tons, accounting for 53.68% of the total marine crab aquaculture industry in China [18]. Although the culture of S. paramamosain has grown continuously for years, there are still very low yields, only 15-60 kg/667 m 2 a year, which is unable to meet ever increasing market demand [19][20][21]. It is of urgent importance to improve the arti cial breeding and breeding technology of S. paramamosain by improving the overwintering environment [22].…”