Identification and profiling of long non-coding RNAs during molt cycle: An involvement of lnc1182 in the molt of white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei

Molt is an essential physiological process for crustacean growth. It is known to be controlled by factors such as hormones and steroids, but the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), a potential regulatory molecule, has not been studied. In this study, we investigated the role of lncRNA in the molt process of white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. The 9437 of 58,142 unigenes of de novo assembled transcriptome were identified as putative lncRNAs, and 768 lncRNAs were differentially expressed during molt cycles. Five differentially expressed lncRNAs were selected to determine their expressions in different tissues and molt stages. Most were expressed more in gills and epidermis than other tissues. Expressions of lnc1182 and lnc336 significantly decreased during premolt stages and increased at postmolt in gills and epidermis, while lnc179 expression increased during premolt stages. RNA interference was used to investigate the role of lnc1182 in the molt process. The molt of lnc1182 knockdown shrimp progressed to early premolt faster than shrimp injected with dsGFP, and also shortened molt duration. In addition, total sugar level in hemolymph was higher in the lnc1182 knockdown shrimp than the control shrimp, whereas gill Na+/K+ ATPase activity, total hemocyte count, and expression of molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH) were not changed. These suggested that lnc1182 is likely involved in the control of sugar metabolism during molting but not in ion exchange activity and MIH expression. Furthermore, lnc1182 and 20-HE probably regulated each other. RNA sequencing was used to investigate the set of genes associated with lnc1182. Fifty-five transcripts were differentially expressed in gills of lnc1182 knockdown shrimp. Expressions of candidate metabolism and immune-related genes were validated for their differential expressions in lnc1182 knockdown shrimp. Our work produced lncRNA profiles and indicated possible functions of lnc1182 in metabolism and immunity during the molt cycle in shrimp.

Automated summary

This study investigated the role of lncRNA in the molt process of white shrimp. It identified 768 differentially expressed lncRNAs and found that lnc1182 may be involved in the regulation of sugar metabolism and the interaction with 20-HE.