Abstract
White Spot Disease (WSD) presents a major barrier to penaeid shrimp production. Mechanisms underlying White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) susceptibility in penaeids are poorly understood due to limited information related to early infection. We investigated mRNA and miRNA transcription in Penaeus vannamei over 36 h following infection. Over this time course, 6192 transcripts and 27 miRNAs were differentially expressed—with limited differential expression from 3–12 h post injection (hpi) and a more significant transcriptional response associated with the onset of disease symptoms (24 hpi). During early infection, regulated processes included cytoskeletal remodelling and alterations in phagocytic activity that may assist WSSV entry and translocation, novel miRNA-induced metabolic shifts, and the downregulation of ATP-dependent proton transporter subunits that may impair cellular recycling. During later infection, uncoupling of the electron transport chain may drive cellular dysfunction and lead to high mortalities in infected penaeids. We propose that post-transcriptional silencing of the immune priming gene Dscam (downregulated following infections) by a novel shrimp miRNA (Pva-pmiR-78; upregulated) as a potential mechanism preventing future recognition of WSSV that may be suppressed in surviving shrimp. Our findings improve our understanding of WSD pathogenesis in P. vannamei and provide potential avenues for future development of prophylactics and treatments.
Highlights
We identify novel processes associated with White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) infection that could be further explored for the development of WSSV prophylactics and therapeutics
Key mRNAs arethat represented in blue boxes and miRNAs inare purple boxes, altered during infection. mRNAs and miRNAs were significantly upregulated or downregulated marked black text indicates the key processes that are altered during WSSV infection. mRNAs and miRNAs with upward and downward pointing arrows respectively
We addressed a significant gap in our understanding of the early responses of susceptible P. vannamei to WSSV infection through integration of both transcript and miRNA
Summary
Penaeid shrimp register highly in terms of quantity and value; the Pacific whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) being the most widely farmed species in an industry valued at approximately US$30 billion [1]. Most shrimp are farmed at high density and there are continued efforts to intensify this further. This intensification, and the regular and extensive movement of shrimp larvae and broodstock between aquaculture sites, have resulted in the rapid emergence and spread of pathogens. Disease is considered one of the greatest factors limiting productivity and future expansion of shrimp aquaculture [3] with approximately 60% of these losses being attributable to viral diseases [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
