Synergistic integration of transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying unsynchronized growth of greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili)

Greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) has a significant value in the global aquaculture industry because of its adaptive traits and rapid growth rate. However, the unsynchronized growth of greater amberjack poses challenges in its cultivation, and the molecular mechanisms underlying it remain unclear. In the current study, greater amberjack individuals showing growth differences were collected and subjected to transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses. Metabolomics analysis revealed 164 and 206 significantly different metabolites (SDMs) in the positive ion mode (POS) and negative ion mode (NEG) of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), respectively (VIP > 1 and P < 0.05). Transcriptomics analysis confirmed 534 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with |log₂FC| > 1 and false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05. A total of 87 enriched pathways were identified by integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses and exhibited that fast-growing group (FG) hold enhanced digestive and anabolic capacities, superior glycine synthesis capability, strong feeding behavior, and high skeletal biomineralization activity, while the slow-growing group (SG) consumed additional energy to cope with environmental stress, and growth was hindered during the generation of immune responses. These results revealed the underlying molecular mechanisms of unsynchronized growth in S. dumerili, and promoted the selection process for growth traits.