Integrated analysis of transcriptome and proteome reveals the key genes and processes involved in ovarian development in Exopalaemon carinicauda

Ovarian development is a complex process crucial for the successful reproduction of Exopalaemon carinicauda. As a commercially important aquaculture species in China, however, there is limited information of the mechanisms underlying ovarian development. Therefore, this study conducted transcriptomic and proteomic sequencing of the E. carinicaudaovaries in different stages (Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅴ), aiming to explore important regulators and pathways involved in ovarian development. A total of 712 DEGs and 474 DEPs were identified. Functional annotation revealed DEGs and DEPs were related to processes such as transport activities, DNA metabolism, nutrient metabolism, and cell junctions. There was continuously up-regulation of genes involved in ovarian development, such as fatty acyl-CoA reductase, long chain fatty acid-CoA ligase 4, MFS domain-containing protein 6, and estradiol 17β-dehydrogenase. Besides, there were 6 common DEPs among three comparison groups, including vitellogenin, α-L-fucosidase, thymosin-β, filamin-A, SLC18B1, and LYRM7. Integrated analysis showed that vitellogenin receptor, NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 2, fatty acid synthase, and transglutaminase were significantly up-regulated in stage Ⅴ, suggesting these genes/proteins may play crucial roles in ovarian development. These research findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate crustacean ovarian development.