Age-specific changes in the serum proteome of female anadromous, hilsa Tenualosa ilisha: a comparative analysis across developmental stages.

Introduction: The proteome profile of the female Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton, 1822), a species of great ecological and economic importance, across various age groups was investigated to comprehend the functional dynamics of the serum proteome for conservation and aquaculture, as well as sustain the population.

Methods: Advanced liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry LC-MS/MS-based proteomic data were analysed and submitted to the ProteomeXchange Consortium via PRIDE (PRoteomics IDEntifications database). Bioinformatics analysis of serum proteome have been done and it showed different proteins associated with GO Gene Ontology () terms, and the genes associated with enriched KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways (such as phagosome, mTOR, Apelin signalling pathways, herpes simplex virus) implicated in immune responses.

Results: The expression levels of important immunological proteins, such as those involved in cellular defence and inflammatory responses, were significantly different age-dependently. In this study, we annotated 952, 494, 415, and 282 proteins in year classes IV, III, II, and I Hilsa, respectively, and analysed their Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) networks based on their functional characteristics. From year classes I to IV, new proteins appeared and were more than three-fold. Notably, class I hilsa displayed a lower abundance of proteins than class IV hilsa.

Discussion: This is the first study, to the best of our knowledge, to report the analysis of the serum proteome of hilsa at different developmental stages, and the results can help improve the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the different changes in protein enrichment during migration in hilsa. This analysis also offers crucial insights into the immune system for hilsa conservation and management.