Work

Multi-omics analysis of the response mechanisms in Litopenaeus vannamei to nitrite stress under varying salinity conditions

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In low-salinity environments, nitrite toxicity is significantly enhanced, posing a serious threat to shrimp growth and survival. To systematically elucidate the molecular response mechanisms of Litopenaeus vannamei to nitrite stress under varying salinity conditions, this study established two typical salinity levels, low salinity (1 PSU) and optimal salinity (15 PSU), and exposed shrimp to their respective 96-h LC 50 nitrite concentrations. Transcriptomic and proteomic datasets from gill tissues were generated and integrated to compare the stress response patterns under these two salinity regimes. The results demonstrate that the molecular stress responses differ markedly between the two salinity conditions. Under low-salinity conditions, shrimp exhibited a more pronounced stress response. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and proteins (DEPs) were significantly enriched in functions and pathways related to proteolysis, chitin metabolism, and lysosomal pathways. This pattern reflects that gill tissue actively combats nitrite-induced toxicity stress through multiple physiological responses. Conversely, under 15 PSU conditions, DEGs and DEPs were predominantly downregulated and enriched in pathways primarily associated with ribosomes, metabolism, and nucleocytoplasmic transport. This indicates an "inhibitory regulation" strategy characterized by the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Notably, both groups exhibited generalized responses to endoplasmic reticulum protein processing and other processes, suggesting that gill tissues preferentially mobilize specific conserved pathways to maintain essential life activities in the face of nitrite stress, regardless of salinity. These salinity-dependent response patterns not only reflect the regulatory role played by environmental factors in stress response, but also provide a new perspective at the molecular level for understanding the adaptation mechanism of marine crustaceans in complex ecological environments.

Source: Tropical Agricultural Sciences

DOI: 10.1016/j.tas.2026.100019

Authors: Xuenan Li, Nusrat Liaqat, Huici Yang, Simin You, Nauman Khan, Xilin Dai

Institutions: Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Toxicology and Ecotoxicology

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $1,900