Transcriptome differential expression analysis reveals the activated genes in Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp families of superior growth performance

Despite the great adaptability of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp to captive environment and its high productivity in aquaculture, gene expression patterns related to differences in growth performance and effective weight gains are still poorly understood for the species. With the purpose of investigating this issue, we produced RNA-seq data for L. vannamei families with higher and lower weight averages and mapped them against the described species genome. The transcriptome was sequenced from SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) shrimp subjected to selection for rapid weight gain, and subsequently contrasting families with higher and lower growth performances. In total, we identified more than 13,000 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 46% showing hits in arthropods, of which 70 genes, including cuticle, chitin, ecdysteroids, muscle proteins, among others, were up regulated exclusively in higher growth families. Additionally, we found some immune genes up-regulated only in higher growth rate families. Overall, this study provides genomic data for better comprehension of genes involved in crustacean growth, pointing out genes potentially involved in weight gain, and affording relevant information to be applied in further shrimp aquaculture breeding programs.

Automated summary

This study used RNA-seq data to analyze gene expression patterns related to growth performance and weight gain in Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp. The results show that certain genes are up-regulated in higher growth families, potentially involved in weight gain and immune response.