Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the different responding mechanisms of ovary and hepatopancreas following polyI:C challenge in Macrobrachium nipponense

The ovary in mammals has developed specialized mechanisms for protection against pathogen infections; however, the understanding of the innate immune system in the ovary of crustaceans is still limited. To elucidate the ovary's defense mechanisms in response to viral challenges, we subjected oriental river prawns (Macrobrachium nipponense) to poly I:C, a double-stranded RNA analog that emulates viral dsRNA, and analyzed the ovary's transcriptome profiles. Concurrently, RNA-seq analysis was performed on the hepatopancreas, a well-recognized immune-related tissue, following poly I:C challenge to investigate the distinct response mechanisms of the ovary and hepatopancreas and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the immune responses in both tissues. The results indicate that 1368 genes are differentially expressed in the ovary, with 903 genes upregulated and 465 genes downregulated. Subsequent analysis reveals that these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) include numerous genes associated with innate immunity, such as members of the C-type lectin, fibrinogen-related protein (Frep), Toll-like receptor, and NOD-like receptor (NLR) gene families, as well as acid phosphatase, scavenger receptor, crustin, Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam), hemocyanin, and lipopolysaccharide and beta-1,3-glucan binding protein (LGBP). Furthermore, the DEGs include several genes related to ovary development, such as sox8, vitellogenin, progranulin, cyclin-dependent kinase, ecdysone receptor, frizzled, and members of the Fox gene family. In the hepatopancreas, a total of 729 DEGs were identified. Comparison of the DEGs in both tissues indicates that only 91 genes are common to both groups, highlighting significant tissue-specific responses to poly I:C stimulation. This study aims to enhance our understanding of the immune protective mechanisms employed by the ovary in response to pathogen exposure and establishes a foundation for investigating ovarian reproductive immunity in crustaceans.