Different transcriptomic architecture of the gill epithelia in Nile and Mozambique tilapia after salinity challenge

Tilapiine fishes of the genus Oreochromis vary in their euryhaline capabilities, therefore inhabiting aquatic environments of different salinities across the African continent. We analyzed the differential gene expression in the gills before and after 6 weeks salinity challenge between the highly tolerant Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and the less tolerant Nile tilapia (O. niloticus). The pathways triggered by salinity in both tilapia species reveal immune and cell stress responses as well as turnover of ionocytes. Nevertheless, the actual differential expressed genes vary between these two species, pointing at differential transcriptomic architecture, which likely contribute to the species osmoregulation capabilities in elevated salinities.

Automated summary

Nile tilapia and Mozambique tilapia exhibit differential gene expression in response to salinity challenges, reflecting their varying salt tolerance capabilities. Both species show immune and cell stress responses as well as turnover of ionocytes in response to salinity, but the specific genes expressed differ between the two, indicating unique transcriptomic architectures and potentially contributing to their osmoregulation abilities in high salinities.