scRNA-seq of Penaeus japonicus hemocytes under environmentally-induced restriction of sand-diving behavior (PRJCA046655)
This study elucidates the differential gene expression response in hemocytes associated with the restriction of sand-diving behavior of Penaeus japonicus through scRNA-seq analysis.We classified the 13 cell clusters into granular cells (GCs), semi-granular cells (SGCs), hyaline cells (HCs), prohemocyte-like cells and functional cells. The accuracy of this cell cluster classification was confirmed by measuring the expression levels of marker genes for each cell cluster in different cell types and through in situ hybridization localization. Comparative analysis revealed significant differences in gene expression profiles among the sandy group, the sandless group, and the sandless stress group, particularly in clusters 2 and 8, which are linked to environmental adaptation and stress responses. Key genes such as trpa-1, trpm, and CUT family proteins, which are known to be involved in sensory perception and stress response in other organisms, were differentially expressed. This suggests their potential involvement in sensing environmental change and orchestrating the physiological stress response, making them prime candidates for future research into the modulation of sand-diving behavior. These findings provide a foundation for investigating sand-diving related genes and their regulatory pathways. We will employ CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to functionally validate candidate genes while developing molecular markers for marker-assisted selection, ultimately enhancing genetic improvement programs in P. japonicus aquaculture. The study establishes a theoretical foundation for future genetic improvement of non-sand-diving P. japonicus varieties through targeted molecular breeding approaches.