Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of hepatopancreatic pathological changes in Eriocheir sinensis affected by hepatopancreatic necrosis disease

Hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (HPND) has had a significant impact on the aquaculture industry of Eriocheir sinensis, yet its pathogenic mechanisms remain controversial. This study investigates the pathological alterations in the hepatopancreas of E. sinensis affected by HPND by comparing the biochemical composition of the hepatopancreas in healthy and diseased crabs, in combination with transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. Our results show that the hepatosomatic index (HSI), as well as crude lipid and crude protein levels, were significantly reduced in HPND-affected crabs compared to healthy ones (P < 0.05). Fatty acid profiling revealed notable changes, with many fatty acids showing significant decreases (P < 0.05). Integrated omics analysis indicated that multiple pathways related to energy metabolism and immune response were enriched in diseased hepatopancreas tissues, including retinol metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, peroxisome, lysosome, apoptosis, fatty acid degradation, endocytosis, glutathione metabolism, and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis. Notably, the AMPK signaling pathway was significantly activated, promoting glycolysis and fatty acid metabolism, inhibiting fatty acid synthesis, and regulating apoptosis and autophagy. This research presents an in-depth analysis of the pathological and molecular alterations in the hepatopancreas of HPND-infected crabs, offering new insights into its underlying pathogenic mechanisms.