Whole-genome identification and expression profiling of TRPs family in Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis

Abstract

Although transient receptor potential (TRP) proteins are critical to diverse physiological processes, their characteristics in arthropods, especially in the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to elucidate the evolutionary history and physiological functions of TRP genes (TRPs) in E. sinensis through a combination of phylogenetic analyses and transcriptomic approaches. The evolutionary analysis revealed a significant expansion of the TRPA subfamily in arthropods. Sequence analysis and codon usage bias assessment further indicated that TRPs exhibit a certain degree of conservation between E. sinensis and its closely related species, suggesting they are likely subject to evolutionary selective pressures. To investigate the physiological roles of TRPs in E. sinensis, we conducted transcriptomic analysis of TRPs across different tissues, molting stages of the hepatopancreas, and ovarian developmental stages. The results showed that TRPA genes were highly expressed in the gills, hindgut, and midgut, suggesting a potential involvement in immune response. The significant overexpression of TRP and TRPL in the eyestalk implied their possible role in phototransduction. High expression of TRPs was observed in the hepatopancreas during various molting stages. Additionally, TRPC genes were highly expressed at different ovarian developmental stages. Overall, this study revealed the evolutionary dynamics of TRPs in E. sinensis and provided preliminary evidence for their potential regulatory roles in tissue function, molting, and ovarian maturation, with further experimental validation required in the future.